Note: This list includes players who are currently injured or unavailable as well. They will not be disregarded
Arsene Wenger has had a quiet summer in the transfer market. Last summer, several critics and fans were left fuming at the lack of investment the club made over the course of the window.
The Frenchman made a good start by bringing in Petr Cech from Chelsea, but failed to make any signing after that. Eventually, their lack of fire power upfront cost them the title, the best chance they had since 2007/08 season.
There is still time left for Wenger to recruit the players Arsenal need and with injuries piling up it would be wise to dip into the transfer market. But let’s look at the best XI that could feature for the season assuming all players are fit.
Goal Keeper: Petr Cech
This one is a no-brainer. Petr Cech is one of the best keepers in the world, even at the age of 34. Chelsea under Mourinho decided to let him go after installing Thibaut Courtois as his No. 1 in goal.
The Blues realised their mistake last season as the Czech went on to win the Golden Glove, helping Arsenal finish 2nd in the league. It was a personal consolation for the keeper, but he would have loved to get his hands on the Premier League trophy once again.
Ospina is also a decent stopper but he will find it almost impossible to displace the experienced and reliable wall from the Czech Republic. If Arsene does use his Colombian backup it will only be because of injury to his main man. For the Gunners’ sake let's hope that scenario never happens.
Defence
Right Back – Hector Bellerin
Arsenal arguably have one of the best right-backs in the world in Hector Bellerin. The Spaniard is still only 21 and has the world at his feet. His progression curve is almost a straight line which has led to the likes of Barcelona and other big clubs chasing after his signature.
But Arsenal have been adamant in the transfer window, ensuring he stays at the club for the foreseeable future. There is the worry that if the club fail to achieve the objective of winning the title they might not have much of a say on where one of most in demand players on the market will go.
Centre Back – Laurent Koscielny
Laurent Koscielny has been the rock of the Arsenal defence for the last 4 years. Whenever he has been absent through injury the Gunners have suffered defensively. The likes of Gabriel and Mertesacker are good players but aren’t as sound as the Frenchman.
He is able to form a great partnership with any player and his experience helps his fellow teammates size up a dangerous situation and deal with it.
Centre Back – Per Mertesacker
The loss of Mertesacker is going to be a hard pill to swallow for Arsenal fans. He was the yin to Koscielny’s yang but no he has been rued for more than half the season after needing surgery.
With Gabriel also out for two months, Wenger will have to make due with two young defenders in Holding and Chambers for the game.
Left Back – Nacho Monreal
Nacho was Arsenal's most consistent defender last season. The Spaniard was also included in the team of the year and has really made that position his own with Kieron Gibbs now looking more of a back-up when at one point he was first choice.
Now 30, doubts about his fitness levels will start to creep but he also had a very good pre-season and should continue to be the first choice at Left-back.
Midfield
Central Midfield – Granit Xhaka.
You do not buy a 35 million man and not use him. But despite the price tag, Xhaka seems to be the perfect fit in the central midfield role. The Swiss international won. man of the match on two occasions at the Euros and led his Gladbach team to an incredible 4th placed finish last season.
He is very tenacious in the tackle and has a bit of a hot streak which is something the club really needed. A definite starter over Coquelin and Elneny.
Central Midfield – Santi Cazorla
Cazorla was a player Arsenal missed dearly last campaign. The Spaniard was injured in November and missed the rest of the season because of that. Cazorla’s ability to help play move forward with wonderful passing and agile movement makes him one of the most unique midfielders in the league.
He and Coquelin formed a wonderful partnership whenever they played together but Wenger does not have complete faith in the Frenchman's passing ability which is why he will play alongside the Spaniard.
Attacking midfield – Mesut Ozil
Mesut Ozil needed a couple of seasons to really bed into the premier league but last season the German truly arrived on the big stage. Ozil is the world’s best playmaker without a doubt and on his day can unlock any defence in the league.
His league high of 19 assists was only one short of the League ‘s all-time record of 20 set by Thierry Henry in 2000. Ozil is key to Arsenal’s playing style and rhythm and will definitely start in the No 10. role.
Attack
Right wing/Right Midfield – Aaron Ramsey
Aaron Ramsey is not a traditional winger, and has many a time insisted he prefers a central midfield role but Wenger might have no choice but to play the Welshman on the right side of a front three, simply because his other right wingers have been inconsistent so far.
The trio of Campbell, Walcott and Chamberlain have delivered in bursts but have never made that position their own and convinced the manager to give them the responsibility on that wing.
Left Wing – Alex Iwobi
Alex Iwobi was a revelation towards the latter par of last season. The youngster really came into his element and provided some impetus to Arsenal’s attack when he played for the team. His skill and energy prompted Wenger to give him a permanent role in the team
Iwobi once again shone in pre-season and it won’t come as a surprise if he gets the nod on the left flank.
Striker – Alexis Sanchez
Arsene Wenger might still have some faith left in Olivier Giroud but most Arsenal fans have probably lost patience with the inconsistent striker. Sachez is definitely better in the left wing role but he always delivers goals and might prove to be a surprise package in the striker role.
When the ball is at his feet, things just tend to happen around him and he creates space for others. Sanchez is not a permanent solution but despite missing a good chunk of last season through injury he still managed to finish only 3 goals behind Giroud in the club's scoring charts.
Formation
The formation should and will remain the same based on pre-season. The 4-3-3 is a popular structure in the modern game. Most coaches use this or some tweaked version of the formation and Wenger is not one to change the shape that often.
