This term, the Gunners faithful are often worried about the news linking Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alex Lacazette with exits from the Emirates.
However, we are confident that even our amazing striking duo can be replaced as both are not getting younger and their performances will deteriorate over time.
Hence, we've tried to come up with a starting XI for the 2021/22 season. Let's imagine the Gunners don't sign anyone (alas, Dayot Upamecano) apart from extending Pablo Mari's deal.
Overall, this should be a young, fiery team hungry for success. So, without further ado, let us present you with our vision for Arsenal's starting XI for the 2021/22 campaign.
Leno; Bellerin, Saliba, Mari, Tierney; Torreira, Smith-Rowe, Xhaka; Martinelli, Pepe, Saka
- Bernd Leno
The shot-stopper has made a huge number of saves this season. While this perhaps serves as a sad indictment of the quality of the Gunners' defence, the German is one of the most reliable keepers in the Prem. In 2021, he will be 30 which is the blossoming age for many goalies.
The Spaniard has lost some of his pace after the injury but will hopefully regain his best form under Mikel Arteta's careful guidance. A leader in the dressing room, he is perhaps the manager's best choice for captaincy in this youthful side.
- William Saliba
One of the most promising youngsters in the world, the Frenchman will certainly need some time to adapt to the Premier League after returning from the French Ligue 1 next summer. However, we are adamant that his talent will see him lead the Gunners' backline in the near future.
- Pablo Mari
The Spaniard has not had enough time to prove himself yet but from what we've seen already he looks like a near-perfect ball-playing centre-back. He might not be that fast but will compensate for it with clever positioning, cementing his place in the Gunners' starting XI for years to come.
- Kieran Tierney
This season has been quite troubled for the Scotland international as he has been sidelined for quite a long time. However, we did enjoy the glimpses of his talent when he was available and are confident that the ex-Celtic man will be a key figure in our back-four. With pacey Bukayo Saka positioned above the Scot, our left flank will tear any opposition into pieces.
- Lucas Torreira
The little midfield dynamo has impressed in his first season. Hopefully, the Uruguayan will prove to Mikel Arteta that he has what it takes to play for the Gunners. He will perhaps be used in a more defensive role, covering up for Smith-Rowe and Xhaka.
An exemplary attitude from Lucas:
- Emile Smith-Rowe
In the 2019-20 season, the youngster fascinates Huddersfield fans and while he is perhaps not ready for the Premier League football yet, he will get more mature in a couple of years. He has the flair that earned him comparisons with De Bruyne and is a very intelligent passer, capable of creating chances for our striker. We expect him to play in a Mesut Ozil role.
- Granit Xhaka
The boss has already changed the 27-year-old's position on the pitch, bringing his confidence back. Under Arteta, the Switzerland international has become a pivotal figure in the build-up and will probably get even more experienced in this role.
Arsenal's arguably brightest talent has surprised everyone (even himself) with a stellar rise to the first team. Not every player gets Ronaldinho and Jurgen Klopp to praise him in their first season in the Premier League. The Brazilian has everything to become the Gunners' legend and he will surely be a star of this team.
- Nicolas Pepe
Make no mistake: the Ivorian should be our centre-forward. The ex-Lille man has not justified his price-tag yet but possesses the skills to play a Thierry Henry-like striker and we believe that Mikel Arteta will start fielding him in the No. 9 role soon.
- Bukayo Saka
When Tierney is fit, the youngster should return to his preferred left-winger position. At the moment it is occupied by Auba but with Pierre-Emerick's uncertain future, he should start preparing himself for eventually replacing the Gabonese. His assists and dribbling skills set him apart from most Premier League attackers at 18 years of age; what will happen in two years?
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