What does Arsenal’s first-team look like ahead of the 2021/22 season?
The setup of Arsenal’s side under Mikel Arteta has been the subject of much angst among Gunners fans. With the need for serious improvements within the squad, at the time of writing only two new players have come through the door.
Left-back Nuno Tavares and midfielder Albert Lokonga are the new additions to the Arsenal squad. Ben White is reportedly on his way to the Emirates in a £50 million ($69m) from Brighton as well.
However much more is needed, and it is unlikely that Tavares will feature in the first team unless Kieran Tierney succumbs to an injury or is rested by Mikel Arteta. Lokonga could feature in a midfield pivot with Thomas Partey but it remains to be seen if other reinforcements will be brought in.
Over the next couple of weeks, I will be going through the team and seeing what the first team could look like this season. I give my thoughts on the starters in each position, first up is the much-maligned defense.
GK-Bernd Leno
Arsenal’s undisputed No.1, Leno will be between the posts in every match he is fit. Without any pressure from underneath, Leno should be comfortable throughout the season. It remains to be seen whether Alex Runarsson will get another chance at being No.2 or if Arsenal’s interest in Aaron Ramsdale will come to fruition. Nevertheless, Leno is Arsenal’s keeper for the foreseeable future.
RB- Calum Chambers
With Hector Bellerin rumored to be on the outer for the Gunners after an underwhelming 2021 season, the English defender could be set for an extended run in the side. Having impressed during the preseason, Chambers could very well be the number one option for Arteta going forward. He will have competition from Cedric as he too has looked good so far during preseason.
It remains to be seen whether the Gunners will bring in another right-back, but Arteta could be satisfied with Chambers and Cedric for the upcoming campaign.
CB- Gabriel
When fit, the Brazilian is a certainty to start week in and week out at the heart of the Arsenal defence. Having started life in north London on fire, Gabriel’s form dipped towards the end of the campaign. David Luiz and Rob Holding were Arteta’s preferred combination for the end of the season.
However, with Luiz now gone, Gabriel must be the one to take control of the defence. Despite his tender age of 23, Gabriel is one of, if not the best central defender Arteta has at his disposal.
Having played 23 Premier League matches and scoring twice, expect Gabriel to step up yet again for the Gunners.
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CB- Ben White
While the deal is still being worked through, according to several reports, the deal is as good as done. Many expect it to be completed this week. The Brighton defender is the perfect option to partner with Gabriel. Having played every Premier League game last season, White has proved to be a consistent performer.
What the signing does do, is give Arsenal a ready-to-go player who will not need time to adjust to the rigors of Premier League football.
Like the Brazilian, White has time on his side too, being just 23 years old. We could be looking at the defensive partnership that Arsenal has craved since the days of the invincibles.
LB- Kieran Tierney
It cannot be anyone else. The Scottish defender was instrumental to how the Gunners played last season. His lung-bursting runs, defensive nous, and crossing into the box make him one of the Gunners most important players.
Having worked up quite the partnership with Bukayo Saka on the left-hand side, Tierney is everything that embodies what Arteta wants in his players.
Having played 27 matches last season, scoring twice and assisting four times. Tierney is one player that Arsenal can rely on for consistent performances every time he steps onto the field.
Agree or disagree? Interested to know your thoughts. Follow me on Twitter @adam_schultz15 for more Arsenal related content
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