Arsenal fans were left frustrated for one more year after their team missed a glorious chance to win the much awaited Premier league title. The Gunners finished runner-ups to Leicester City as all other big teams struggled for consistency all season. The only consolation for Arsenal was the fact that they finished above their North London rivals Tottenham. Arsene Wenger was criticized heavily by some sections of the supporters after he became the only manager in the top five leagues in Europe not to sign an outfield player. Though the manager still has the support of substantial part of the supporters and the board, he will be wise to invest heavily this summer, in order to get his team ready to mount a proper title challenge next season.
Wenger is desperate to sign a world class striker this summer, who can cover for Giroud and give the team something different going forward. Though Arsenal have been linked with a host of players this transfer window, only Granit Xhaka and Takuma Asano are the two names to have actually signed for the Gunners this summer. Rumours have emerged recently linking last season’s player of the season Riyad Mahrez with a move to the Emirates. Here we look at the potential Arsenal starting XI involving Mahrez.
Goalkeeper: Petr Cech
The former Chelsea keeper won the golden glove last season following his move from Chelsea last summer. He is the undisputed number one keeper at Arsenal and should keep his place between the sticks, given the lack quality options.
Defenders: Hector Bellerin, Nacho Monreal, Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker
Bellerin has firmly established himself as one of the best full-backs in the league after another promising season under his belt. While Gibbs struggled for form, Nacho Moreal secured his place in the starting XI following a string of solid performances at the back. Wenger is on the lookout for a central defender after shaky performances from both Per Mertesacker and Gabriel, however with no one yet close to signing a deal, we assume that Koscielny and Mertesacker will continue their partnership in the middle of the defense line. The Frenchman has been one of the most consistent defenders in the world over the past few years and is the leader Arsenal need at the back.
Midfielders: Jack Wilshere, Granit Xhaka, Mesut Ozil, Alexis Sanchez and Riyad Mahrez.
Arsenal’s summer signing Xhaka was excellent for the Swiss team during the recently concluded Euro 2016 and is expected to instantly slide into the central midfield position alongside Jack Wilsere. The England international has had a tuff time at the Emirates due to a string of injuries over the past few years. This will be a big season for him and maybe his last chance to prove his worth to Wenger. Mesut Ozil is a world class creator and will again be the man Arsenal rely on next season. Alexis Sanchez will be deployed on the left wing, While Mahrez if he does make a move will be expected to start on the right wing. The Albanian is a talent football, who will give Arsenal goals and creativity in the final third.
Striker: Gonzalo Higuain
This is will be the most crucial signing Arsenal make this summer, Giroud has served Arsenal well but isn’t the striker that carry a team to a title. While Higuain has proven his worth at Napoli after a brilliant last season. Latest reports suggest that the move isn’t too far away from becoming a reality.