Arsenal is a club that is always in the transfer buzz, whether it’s Mario Balotelli or Antoine Griezmann, there are always constant links with Arsenal. Already this summer, Arsene Wenger has completed the signing of Alexis Sanchez and Mathieu Debuchy, proving to Gunners fans that Arsenal are ready to contend for the Premier League title.
Alexis Sanchez was an influential signing to the Gunners squad. Not only is he an explosive, goal-scoring forward that can play on the wings or in the middle, but he has also shown big name players that Arsenal mean business. In subsequent summer transfer windows, Arsenal have signed the Real Madrid number ten, Mesut Ozil, and the Barcelona number nine, Sanchez. These signings have proven to the likes of Sami Khedira and Mario Balotelli that they will be competing for titles at Arsenal, in addition to restoring self belief throughout the team.
The signing of Mathieu Debuchy has again added to the mass quantity of skill in the North London side. Debuchy played as the number one right back for France in the 2014 World Cup, playing over exiting Bacary Sagna. Again, Arsene Wenger is proving that he can continue to improve Arsenal’s quality. According to whoscored.com, Debuchy played 28 games in his 2013-14 Premier League campaign with Newcastle, averaging a match rating of 7.42 out of 10. Debuchy is strong in aerial duels, and loves to get forward and swing in dangerous crosses. There is no doubt that Debuchy will add a new element of attack, as well as solid defense to Arsenal’s play next season.
One spot where Arsenal are very exposed is their defensive midfield. Arsene Wenger is known to be in the market for a holding midfielder, with links being strong to World Cup winner Sami Khedira. Reports are very scattered over whether Khedira will make the switch to Arsenal, reunite with his old Madrid coach Jose Mourihno at Chelsea, or stay at Real Madrid.
If Khedira does not sign with Arsenal, Lars Bender is on Wenger’s shortlist, after the French manager failed to sign him last summer. Arsenal need a physical midfielder to replace the likes of Mikel Arteta and Mathieu Flamini. Arteta does not posses a physical presence and defending ability that is needed in a strong holding midfielder, and although Flamini is aggressive, he doesn’t have the strength and physical attributes to play the role constantly for a Champions League side. Sami Khedira would fit perfectly into the role of holding midfielder, and may be the final piece of the puzzle in an Arsenal XI that will look very threatening next season.
Here is what the starting XI could look like for most of next season:
Sanchez was placed in a striking role because Wenger has made it clear that he bought Alexis to play striker. However the remaining transfer window will tell the tale in that case. The placement of Khedira at holding midfielder is pending his move to Arsenal.
Even if Khedira does not sign with Arsenal, expect to see a new face at holding midfielder for the Gunners. The placement of new signing Mathieu Debuchy at right back is in replacement of Manchester City-bound Bacary Sagna. Other than the right back, holding midfielder, and striker, the Arsenal side is relatively unchanged from the side that was top of the Premier League table for most of last season. With new signings of very high quality players, expect to see Arsenal in the chase for the Premier League Title next season.
