Right now, Arsenal is one of the most supported and wealthiest clubs in world football. There is no one who deserves more credit for sustaining current status of Arsenal than Arsene Wenger. Wenger swiftly transferred Arsenal FC from famous Highbury to Emirates Stadium along with winning fair amount of trophies by playing aggressive and stylish football.
However, there is not always a happy ending in real life. Wenger could not build upon the success of creating a new football stadium. In the recent years, a lot of fans were critical of Wenger’s inability to form a team that could compete with top clubs even after publicly announcing there was funds to spend in transfer window. Because of intense pressure of fans, Wenger decided to leave Arsenal on low this season.
Since Wenger has left the club, Arsenal have changed the management side of the club. Arsenal have appointed Unai Emery as their new manager. It is believed that Emery will not have same power as Wenger. In this article we look at the possible starting XI of Arsenal football club post-Wenger era
Goalkeeper-Bernd Leno
Petr Cech was touted as the player to win the Premier League title for Arsenal. A lot of pundits anticipated that he would give an Arsenal extra ten points. However, things have not turned out as it had to be for Cech. Therefore, Arsenal are looking to replace him with a young goalkeeper. According to Skysports, Arsenal is in advanced talk to sign Bernd Leno from Bayer Leverkusen.
Right Back: Hector Bellerin
Arsenal has signed Juventus right-back Stephan Lichtsteiner on a free transfer. However, he was signed to give competition to Bellerin than replace him. Bellerin has got all the attributes in the world to establish himself as a number one right back in the world. Arsenal fans should hope that the competition from Leichtsteiner will push Bellerin to next level.
Mustafi was regarded as a potential world-class material while he was at Valencia. However, he has not yet been able to cope up with the physical side of the Premier League. With the introduction of Unai Emery, who was at Sevilla when Mustafi was at Valencia, Mustafi may get a final chance to establish himself as one of continent’s star defenders.
Left Back: Sead Kolasinac
With Nacho Monreal heading towards the end of his career, Arsenal’s last summer signing Kolasinac should cement his position as club’s number one left back. Kolasinac, who was included in Bundesliga team of the year in 2016/17 season, is known for his physical strength, tactical awareness, and ability to win one and one duels.
Midfeilder : Granit Xhaka
Xhaka recently signed a long-term contract with Arsenal and was described as one of the “important players” of the squad by Unai Emery. So, it is pretty clear that he will be a starter for Arsenal next season.
Mifeilder: Aaron Ramsey
There have been rumors that Ramsey is set to quit Arsenal. However, Ramsey has suggested that he was excited to learn that Arsenal has appointed Emery as their manager.
“I haven’t spoken to him [Emery] at all yet, but I think it’s an exciting time for the club and I can’t wait to get back there now,” said the 27-year-old in accordance with BBC Sports.
Ramsey, with all his abilities, is undoubtedly Arsenal’s untouchable midfielder and should cement a place in Emery’s Arsenal comfortably.
Midfelider: Lucas Torreira
Lucas Torreira is believed to have attributes of Santi Cazorla and Kante. He is a defensive midfielder who possess great playmaking skills. He is expected to partner Ramsey and Xhaka in midfielder three. According to Guardian, Arsenal have agreed on the deal to sign Torreira on £26.4m deal from Sampdoria.
Right Wing: Ozil
Ozil is undoubtedly the best player in this Arsenal squad and would easily get into starting the lineup of Arsenal. He is regarded as the “assist king” by fans all around the globe. His strength is quick passing along with close ball controls. The only weakness of Ozil is the inability to track back and help the defenders.
Left Winger : Henrikh Mkhitaryan
Arsenal’s heir to Alexis Sanchez had both the purple and rough patch in the Premier League this season. With the signing of his old friend Aubameyang in January, Arsenal fans should hope that they can relive the destructive partnership of Aubameyang and Mkhitaryan.
Striker: Aubameyang
Aubameyang is known for his finishing and speed. He had formed a decent understanding with Lacazette toward the end of last season. However, if he and Mkhitaryan can gel like they did at Borussia Dortmund, Arsenal would be a force to reckon with in the Premier League.