What constitutes success at Arsenal in 2016/17? A trophy? Second place? A top four spot?
Well, the best measurement of success, that the club seem to be ignoring frequently, is the contentment of the loyal fans… which seems to be fading fast.
Arsene Wenger will lead his side into battle again, 12 years after winning their last Premier League. For a club the size of Arsenal, it simply is not good enough.
Now is the perfect time for Wenger to fill those frighteningly obvious holes in his team and launch a full scale assault on the top flight.
With just under three weeks to go until the new Premier League season kicks off, we take a look at a potential Arsenal starting XI next season...
GK - Petr Cech
Despite entering the twilight years of his career, Petr Cech’s talents as a goalkeeper haven’t diminished and he remains one of the best in his position in the Premier League. He will no doubt hold the position from David Ospina this year.
RB - Hector Bellerin
Hector Bellerin is one of the fastest improving full backs in world football and his call-up to the Spanish national team for Euro 2016 demonstrates his current ability and amazing potential. The youngster will remain the first choice right back at the Emirates this season.
CB - Shkodran Mustafi
With Per Mertesacker facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines, Mustafi of Valencia has emerged as a target. Los Che reportedly want £21m for the German defender, who has shone since leaving Everton as a youngster and is known for being committed, commanding and athletic.
CB - Laurent Koscielny
Arsenal’s most consistent defender in recent seasons, Laurent Koscielny will once again be at the very heart of the back line at the Emirates. However, with no new defender on the horizon, the pressure will once again fall on the Frenchman’s shoulders to carry a defensive partner with far less ability.
LB - Nacho Monreal
After a slow start to his Arsenal career, Nacho Monreal has now established himself as the first choice left back at the Emirates. The Spaniard put in a string of reliable performances last season and will want to continue this trend to avoid losing his place to any potential incomings at his position.
CM - Granit Xhaka
Granit by name, granite by nature. The Swiss ace is Arsenal's marquee summer buy so far and should provide the sort of energy, combativeness and steel the Gunners have missed for some time.
CM - Aaron Ramsey
After a sensational European Championship with Wales, Aaron Ramsey looks hungrier than ever for success and could have a career defining season if he replicates those kind of performances for Arsenal. Despite strong competition for places in the centre of Arsenal’s midfield, Ramsey’s consistency will likely earn him the starting spot.
RW - Riyad Mahrez
Speculation linking PFA Player of the Year Riyad Mahrez with a move to Arsenal is increasing every day and the Algerian is now thought to be considering his options, after N’Golo Kante made the move away from Champions Leicester.
Mahrez would be the perfect fit for Arsenal’s style of play. Lightning quick and an excellent finisher suggest the 25-year old would be an upgrade on the inconsistent Theo Walcott.
CAM - Mesut Ozil
After yet another impressive performance at the European Championship, Mesut Ozil seemingly keeps improving with every passing game. The German has been a key playmaker for the Gunners over the past two seasons and will undoubtedly feature as the key man going forward for Arsenal.
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LW - Alexis Sanchez
While Alexis Sanchez struggled to replicate his debut season Premier League form, the Chilean still demonstrated flashes of world class excellence last campaign and will play a key role in the forthcoming season for Arsenal, especially if they are going all out to challenge for domestic glory.
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ST - Alexandre Lacazette
Lyon have been quick to dispel rumours that Arsenal have made an acceptable bid for their star striker Alexandre Lacazette. However, with the Gunners in need of attacking options and the Frenchman seems like the perfect addition to Wenger’s squad. The additions of the aforementioned Mahrez and Lacazette could ensure that Arsenal have one of the most feared frontlines in Europe.
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