The English Premier League kicks off on the 9th of August. Interestingly, the Summer transfer window will close on the 8th day of the same month. Arsenal will kickstart their new campaign with a trip away to Newcastle United.
The Gunners have so far only signed one player, an 18-year-old Gabriel Martinelli from Brazil side Ituano. Below, we look at how the Unai Emery’s team could line up next season with the players available should they not sign anyone else.
Defense
Bernd Leno is a definite starter in goal. The German shot-stopper enjoyed an impressive debut season in the Premier League but was not helped by a defense that was shaky at best.
In right back, La Masia graduate Hector Bellerin is still recovering from a knee injury but remains Unai Emery’s best player in that position. Bellerin finished last season with 5 assists despite being injured for most of it.
Left-back has been an issue for the past few years at Arsenal. Nacho Monreal is good but at 33 years, he cannot be relied on for a full season. Sead Kolasinac is very god going forward but a disaster while defending but should get the nod ahead of the Spaniard.
The central defensive pairing should see Rob Holding paired with Sokratis.
Midfield
Granit Xhaka has been immense in the Arsenal midfield for the past two years and with Uruguyan hard man, Lucas Torreira formed a very great partnership. However, it does feel like Unai Emery prefers a 4-3-3 formation which leaves space for an extra midfielder, the very handy Matteo Guendouzi.
Attack
Alex Iwobi is currently the only player in the Arsenal squad who carries the ball with him. He was very good for Arsenal on the left side of the attack last season which is where he will likely play next season too.
On the right, Reiss Nelson was a revelation while on loan to Bundesliga side Hoffenheim. Pierre Aubamenyang scored 22 Premier League goals last season and is a sure pick in the striker’s position.
Arsenal line up (433); Leno, Bellerin, Kolasinac, Holding, Sokratis, Xhaka, Torreira, Guendouzi, Iwobi, Nelson, Aubameyang.
How do you think Arsenal should line up next season? Share your thoughts in the comments section below…