Arsenal’s Projected Lineup For Next Season (2015/16): A Chelsea Veteran And A Madrid Target Man In The Squad

Arsenal’s Projected Lineup For Next Season (2015/16)

After lifting the trophy at Stamford Bridge, Jose Mourinho admitted that the retention of the Premier League crown will be difficult next season because his rivals will certainly indulge in the transfer market and strengthen their squads. Arsene Wenger, Louis Van Gaal and whoever is in charge at Manchester City next year will all be extravagant this summer. Amongst the listed managers above, Wenger is the most experienced with the ways of the Premier League and is always pragmatic when it comes to acquiring his transfer targets. You will seldom see Arsenal being linked ludicrously to every known footballer in the world as has been the case with the two Manchester clubs in recent history.

Arsene Wenger has given fans marquee signings in the last two seasons but will look to make more than a single big addition to his squad next season. Arsenal were favourites to finish runners-up in the second half of the season. A few world class signings and they could be challenging for the title next year. Let’s take a look at how the Gunners could take to the field in the coming season if they acquire key signatures.

A potentially lethal 4-1-3-2 formation

1. Petr Cech

The Chelsea legend has fallen out of favour at Stamford Bridge.  He has been linked with many top clubs in the country. If Wenger convinces him to make the move across London to the Emirates, the Gunners will be the better for it. There is no reason to believe that the season long bench warming has diminished his abilities. He has featured in key league games against Arsenal and Everton which were critical to Chelsea’s title-winning campaign. He has also played in other competitions making more than a few outstanding saves. Cech will bring experience and stability to the back four. His commanding stature will keep defenders in check and Wenger will also get an easy choice for the captain’s armband.

2. Gabriel Paulista

Gabriel has been quiet in his first season at the Emirates. He has been a part apprentice and part second fiddle to Per Mertesacker, who is quickly losing shine. Mertesacker has been slow physically and mentally and nowhere near as prolific as last season. He has not been a reliable aerial option during set pieces as well. It’s his experience and physical imposition in the defence that has kept him in the team. Next season, Gabriel will be ready to graduate and become a regular first team player alongside Laurent Koscielny

3. Geoffrey Kondogbia

Kondogbia’s acquisition from AS Monaco was set in motion after his brilliant performance against the Gunners in the Champions League. He will be an improvement on Francis Coquelin in the defensive midfield role even though Coquelin has had an amazing second half of the season. Kondogbia is set to replicate the work of Patrick Viera for the invincibles more than a decade ago. He is fast and has a brilliant sense of how the game works. Kondogbia will quickly adapt to the Arsenal way of playing.

Source for transfer: Metro

4. Karim Benzema

The French striker has been very important for Real Madrid last season but has had to go through a frustrating spell on the sidelines due to injury. Madrid have been linked with a big-money move for Argentine Sergio Aguero. If talks with Manchester City progress well, Real Madrid will be envied by all in the footballing world except one man. Arsene Wenger will then set his sights on convincing Benzema to play in an all-French strike partnership alongside Olivier Giroud. Wenger has always missed a 25+ goals striker following the departure of Thierry Henry. Benzema will be just the man he needs and wants.

 

Projected Lineup

Cech

Bellerin     Paulista     Koscielny      Monreal

Kondogbia/Coquelin      Wilshere/Ramsey

Walcott      Ozil/Cazorla         Sanchez

 Benzema