It is a huge summer ahead for Arsenal as Mikel Arteta looks to continue the rebuild process. The Spaniard finished his debut season on a bright note by guiding them to a record 14th time FA Cup triumph. Despite the eighth-place finish in the Premier League that season, fans were optimistic that the former player would build on that going into the new campaign.
Unfortunately, that has not been the case as the north London club finished eighth in consecutive seasons and were knocked out of Europa League by former manager Unai Emery’s Villareal which resulted in the absence of European football for the first time in 25 years.
Although it is still early stages of the transfer window, the club have been linked to a number of players. They would be reliant on player sales to fund new signings and will be looking to offload several players. Let’s take a look at the best team Arsenal can field next season.
Goalkeeper:
The Gunners have been heavily linked with a move for Andre Onana. The Ajax goalkeeper has not been in action since January as he is serving a 12-month ban imposed on him for consuming a banned substance. However, his appeal was successful and the CAS have reduced his ban to nine months.
The Cameroon international is available for a sum as low as £7million. He fits the bill if Arteta continues to play out from the back due to his passing abilities. With Bernd Leno open to an exit the Ajax shot-stopper seems to be the perfect replacement.
Defence:
Kieran Tierney was one of the few positives last season. He has been a fan favorite since arriving at the club. His performances last year have pretty much cemented his place on the left side of the defence. Injuries have been a concern for him but when the Scotsman is fit, he is the manager’s, go-to man.
Gabriel is another player who had an impressive campaign last season. His form dipped in the latter stages but has showcased enough quality to be a regular starter. The Brazilian is still young and with the right partner alongside him, they can form a solid duo at the back for the north Londoners.
The departure of David Luiz has left a void in the defence. The club are eyeing a move for Brighton’s Ben White. His outstanding season earned him a call-up to the England national team for the European championship. The 23-year-old is a commanding defender and can also play higher up the pitch as a midfielder providing versatility to the squad. William Saliba returned after a productive loan spell at Nice making him a contender for the position.
The club have to brace itself for the potential departure of their current longest-serving player, Hector Bellerin. Zeki Celik has emerged as a target for them. The Ligue 1 champion is an attack-minded fullback and has contributed six goals for Lille last season playing a pivotal role in their title win. The French club are desperate to raise funds and could let go of the Turkish right-back for a nominal fee of £13million.
Midfield:
Thomas Partey was signed for £45million from Atletico Madrid last season. The midfielder had a mediocre campaign but having put his fitness issues behind him, the Ghanaian should be looking to return to the form he displayed in Spain.
The Gunners suffered an early setback in the transfer market after losing out on Emiliano Buendia. They have now targeted his teammate Yves Bissouma to partner Partey in the midfield pivot but speculations have gone quiet in recent weeks. It is reported that the 24-year-old is open to a switch to the Emirates. The Mali international drops into a defensive position when devoid of possession and also has the ability to progress with the ball from deep inside his half.
James Maddison is the latest player on Arsenal’s radar. Arteta has been keen on retaining Martin Odegaard but that seems unlikely due to the appointment of Carlo Ancelloti as the new manager of Real Madrid. The former Everton boss considers the Norwegian playmaker an asset and could decline any offers for him. Maddison certainly brings immense quality with him and could solve the Gunners’ lack of threat from midfield.
Attack:
Bukayo Saka was one of the most consistent performers last season. He is just starting and has a whole career ahead of him. Moving onto the right flank has seen him take his game to another level and the youngster is now a priceless asset to the club.
The north Londoners broke the bank to sign Nicolas Pepe. The £72 million price tag was a burden to the winger and that was reflected in his performances. However, the Ivorian has shown glimpses of his quality recently and finished the season with a flourish.
The captain of the club Pierre-Emerick Aubameyangg has been a shadow of his former self. The Gabon international was not able to live up to the high standards he set in the previous seasons. He has also entered the final phase of his career pushing the Gunners to seek alternatives.
Alexander Isak is a name at the top of their list. The Swedish striker has just come off the back of a stellar campaign in La Liga, winning the league’s Young Player of the Year award. The 21-year-old’s scintillating performance for Sweden against Slovakia is his huge potential in a nutshell.
Arsenal’s dream line-up for 2021/22: Andre Onana; Kieran Tierney, Gabriel, Ben White, Zeki Celik; Thomas Partey, Yves Bissouma, James Maddison; Bukayo Saka, Nicolas Pepe, Alexander Isak
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