Best Case Scenario: Predicting the Arsenal starting line-up for the first game of the 2021/22 season

Bukayo Saka and Yves Bissouma

Best Case Scenario: Predicting the Arsenal starting line-up for the first game of the 2021/22 season

By Josh Graham

With the 2020-21 season done and dusted, all eyes are on the summer transfer window and the first game of the new Premier League season in August.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has been linked with several targets and could well splash the cash in the transfer window to revamp his squad.

The Spanish manager is hoping to move past the disappointment of failing to qualify for any form of European football for the first time in 25 years and could look to new personnel to propel the Gunners up the table after finishing eighth. 

Here’s how Arsenal could take to the field on the opening day.

Team


Bernd Leno; Max Aarons, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Kieran Tierney; Yves Bissouma, Thomas Partey, Emile Smith Rowe; Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette, Bukayo Saka.

Goalkeeper and defence


Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno has been linked with a move away from the Emirates but is unlikely to go unless a substantial formal offer is submitted to the club.

The German shot-stopper is still a good option between the sticks and bar the odd moment of madness - like when he was sent off for handling the ball outside the box against Wolves - has been solid. 

With Hector Bellerin out of favour and form, Norwich’s Max Aarons would be a super signing for Arteta. 

The 21-year-old right-back has been linked with several European giants despite the Canaries bouncing straight back to the Premier League.

Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba could form an exciting centre-back partnership with Saliba returning from his loan spell at Nice.

Fan favourite Kieran Tierney is undoubtedly the first choice left-back and after returning from the Euros with Scotland - where he will likely play left centre-back in a back three to accommodate skipper Andy Robertson - will start. 

Midfield


Arsenal are looking to bolster their options in the middle of the park with Dani Ceballos and Martin Odegaard returning to Real Madrid and Granit Xhaka’s future at the club also up in the air.

Brighton’s Yves Bissouma would be a good piece of business although the Mali international could cost up to £40million.

Arteta is believed to be keen to pair him with last year’s deadline day signing Thomas Partey and young superstar Emile Smith Rowe could play slightly further forward than the two anchors in a 4-3-3 shape.

Arteta spoke about his desire to shift from a 4-2-3-1 into a 4-3-3 a few months back and Bissouma’s signing could help facilitate the change.

Attack 


Bukayo Saka would certainly be my pick for Arsenal’s player of the year.

And after bagging his first England goal in the 1-0 win over Austria on Wednesday night, he showed why he will start in his favoured position - on the wing.

Captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette, who finished with 13 Premier League goals, will form a versatile and dangerous front three that would give any top-flight defence plenty to think about.

Photo Credit: Getty Images


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