Arsenals possible XI for the season ahead

Last updated : 07 August 2013 By DSG

The wantaway star is odds on at 1-2 to get his move to London, after stating his desire to play in the Champions League. Here we have a look at what in my opinion will be Arsenals strongest starting XI if Arsenal get the controversial Uraguayan, and another South-American star the Gunners are in the hunt for.

Formation: 4-3-3

GK: Wojciech Szczesny

Although Arsenal could do with a new keeper' I fully expect Arsenal to being the season with the Pole, ahead of fellow countryman Lukas Fabianski.

RB: Carl Jenkinson

CB: Per Mertesacker

CB: Laurent Koscielny

LB: Kieran Gibbs

No wholesale changes in the defence either, Bacary Sagna, naturally a right back has been playing centre-half in pre-season, but I think towards the end of last season Mertesacker and Koscielny formed a formidable partnership in the heart of Arsenals defence, and the pair get the nod, leaving team captain Thomas Vermelean on the bench. Carl Jenkinson I believe is ready to establish himself as Arsenals first choice right-back, whilst Kieran Gibbs will slug it out with Nacho Monreal for the left-back slot.

CM: Luiz Gustavo

CM: Jack Wilshere

CAM: Santi Cazorla

The centre of midfield I beleive is an area where Arsenal really need strengthening, Arsenal are crying out for a Viera-esque like midfielder, and Bayen Munichs Luiz Gustavo fits the bill. Arsenal are set to battle it out with Wolfsburg and Chelsea for the Confederations Cup winner. I believe the signature of Gustavo would give Jack Wilshere the freedom to get forward and link up with silky Spaniard Santi Cazorla. Abou Diaby and Mikel Arteta would have to settle for places on the bench if Arsenal get their man.

RW: Theo Walcott

ST: Olivier Giroud

LW: Luis Suarez

Suarez plays in a more central role for Liverpool, but I believe if he joined Arsenal, Olivier Giroud would reap the rewards with Suarez bamboozling defenders on the left and Walcott destroying full backs with pace on the right. It could be goals galore for the potential trio. Lukas Podolski is likely to start the season if Suarez comes to Arsenal or not as the Uraguayan is banned for the first six games of the season. Alex-Oxlade Chamberlain is another option of the bench.

 

Source: DSG

Source: DSG