The pace with which Arsenal had got in Sead Kolasinac and Alexandre Lacazette from FC Schalke and AS Lyon, fans had for once expected the Gunners go all out blazing in the summer and fulfil the promises that the club had made while extending the contract of manager Arsene Wenger.
However, despite being linked with huge names like Thomas Lemar, Marco Asensio, Juan Cuadrado, Jean Michel Seri and more, Arsenal was a major failure in the transfer window compared to other title contenders.
Wenger had maintained in the last few weeks leading to the end of the transfer window that the club would only get in players after it manages to sell a large number of fringe options had at its disposal. And while Arsenal managed to see off the likes of Kieran Gibbs, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Lucas Perez, Joel Campbell, Carl Jenkinson and more, the fans saw no names incoming.
Arsenal found the most nightmarish way of breaking into inter-lull as they went down 4-0 to Liverpool last week and Wenger would want to get back to winning ways as they kick off against AFC Bournemouth next week.
The exodus is likely to see some major changes to their formation –
Defence
Despite conceding eight goals in the first three games, Petr Cech remains Arsenal’s best player given how they have started the season. If not for the experienced custodian, Wenger could have seen further humiliation against Liverpool and he wouldn’t want to change him anytime soon.
The back line is expected to change after the departure of Chamberlain and Gibbs. Wenger had used them both in the wing back positions while his three-man defence was working wonders. However, now the team going through a terrible patch and fans turned against him, he wouldn’t want to experiment with his deluded tactics.
We expect Laurent Koscielny and Shkodran Mustafi to start in the central defence with Hector Bellerin and Kolasinac on the flanks.
Midfield
The two-man midfield should be Granit Xhaka and Francis Coquelin. The Swiss regista has been one of the best passers in the Premier League now, but desperately needs a cover around him. Although Coquelin isn’t the best of finishers or passers, his tireless work rate could help in the process.
The number 10 position should be taken by Mesut Ozil. Despite the vile criticisms that have been facing for his displays against Liverpool and Stoke City, it is hard to find fault given the style of play he endorses.
Attack
The wings will be taken by Alexis Sanchez and Aaron Ramsey. Against everyone’s wishes, Arsenal have managed to keep Sanchez at The Emirates and the Chilean would expect to see some major silverware in his last season with the club. The sole striker will be Lacazette as he is the best finisher Arsenal have right now.
