MIKEL ARTETA is expected to ring the changes at Arsenal in the next transfer window with a host of Gunners stars potentially on their way out.
Performances have improved under the Spaniard, and the funds should be available for the 38-year-old to make the squad his own.
This is how Arsenal could potentially line up next season under Mikel Arteta
One major talking point going into the summer has been the future of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, with the Arsenal skipper’s current contract expiring in 2021.
It has been claimed that the North London side have given up hope of being able to extend his stay, as they look to offload him for £50million.
Manchester United have been heavily linked with a move for the Gabon international, as well as Barcelona, who are believed to be the front runners to secure his signature.
Aubameyang’s partner up top – Alexandre Lacazette – could also be departing the Emirates as reports state that Atletico Madrid remain keen on landing him.
Prior to the season being postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Frenchman had found himself on the bench, with youngster Eddie Nketiah replacing him in the line-up.
Never managing more than 19 goals in a season for the Gunners, the board could see this as the perfect opportunity to sell the former Lyon forward.
Another player that faces an uncertain future is Mesut Ozil, despite the German being recalled to the starting XI under Arteta.
The 2014 World Cup winner has mustered up just one goal and two assists in 18 Premier League games this term, and Arsenal may see that his £350,000-a-week contract isn’t justified.
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Looking to how Arsenal could line up next season, goalkeeper Bernd Leno is expected to retain his place in the sticks having established himself as one of the top shot-stoppers in the top-flight following his 2018 move from Bayer Leverkusen.
Should Hector Bellerin manage to shake off his injury niggles, he would surely be the starting right-back, with Kieran Tierney featuring in the other full-back slot when he too returns to full fitness.
It could be a new look central-defensive partnership of returning loan signing William Saliba and RB Leipzig ace Dayot Upamecano.
Big things are expected of Saliba who has impressed at Saint-Etienne this campaign, while Upamecano has long been on the radar of Arsenal, and is thought to be one of their key targets.
And they have been boosted by the news that the 21-year-old is ready to leave the Bundesliga club, and is ready to put in a transfer request to force through an exit.
A midfield pairing of Lucas Torreira and Granit Xhaka could be the starting two in the middle of the pitch with both men thriving since Arteta was appointed.
Starting in the No10 role could be Real Madrid playmaker James Rodrigez, with the Colombian available on the cheap as Los Blancos look to get rid of him.
Club-record signing Nicolas Pepe will surely continue to start at right wing, with Brazilian starlet Gabriel Martinelli to potentially play on the opposite flank should Aubameyang leave.
The 18-year-old has banged in ten goals in all competitions this season, and while Bukayo Saka also remains in the frame to start, Martinelli has proven how lethal he can be in the final third.
Starting up top if Lacazette departs could be Tierney’s ex-Celtic team-mate Odsonne Edouard, with the French striker continuously linked with a switch to North London.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
