Arsenal fans endured another disappointing year, when their team ended the 2015-2016 campaign trophyless, though they did finish second in the table ahead of their North London rivals Tottenham. It’s been 12 years since Wenger lifted the Premier League title, therefore patience amongst the fans is running low right now. During the final phase of last season, we saw a certain section of fans calling for Wenger’s resignation. The tension was clearly visible around the Emirates from day one, as Wenger became the only manager in the top five leagues across Europe not to sign an outfield player last summer.
Wenger knows that one more season with the league title could spell the end of his managerial time at Arsenal. The Frenchman acted quickly this summer and signed Swiss midfielder Granit Xhaka from Granit Xhaka from Borussia Monchengladbach but since then Arsenal have been linked with a number of players but nothing concrete has materialized. It is unlikely that Asamo and Holding, the other two summer signings will break into the first team next season. Wenger is currently on the look-out for a world class striker who can support Giroud up front and take some of the pressure off his back. There is also a need to sign a solid centre-back following Mertesacker’s injury, which is expected to keep him out till the turn of the year.
In all this talk about new players, we shouldn’t forget the talent that is currently at Wenger’s disposal. Xhaka and Ozil will be key components of Wenger’s plans for next season. The German midfielder enjoyed his best season in an Arsenal jersey last season when he registered 20 assists and 8 goals in all club competitions. He finished the Premier League season one short of Thierry Henry’s record of 20 assists. He was a crucial part of Low’s squad that went on till the semi-finals in the recently concluded European Championship.
If Arsenal are going to challenge for the title, they will Ozil on top of his game. His quick feet and outstanding ability to unlock stubborn defenses with a perfectly weighted pass is crucial when Arsenal come up against opposition that are comfortable at sitting back. Xhaka, on the other hand, will be in-charge of screening the back four and starting the play from the back. He is very much capable of mixing beauty with the beastly, something Arsenal have lacked since the days of Patrick Vieira.
If his performances in the Euros were anything to go by, then Arsenal fans have every reason to be excited with the Swiss international’s arrival. He is excellent at distributing the ball into dangerous areas from where a player Ozil can take over. He is also not afraid to take a shot from distance, something Arsenal players have been criticized heavily for. With players like Sanchez, Ramsay, Wilshere, Cazorla supporting Ozil and Xhaka, Arsenal fans have every reason to be optimistic about next season.