In 2019 ex-Arsenal man Ian Wright suggested the Gunners should strengthen three positions: left-back, central midfield and right wing. He went ahead and picked Leicester's pair Ben Chilwell and Youri Tielemans as well as Lille's Nicolas Pepe to plug those three holes.
"Someone like Ben Chilwell. He is the kind of left-back who is getting better with every game. He's an England international now. Somebody that I'm sure is going to be sought after," Wright told Daily Mirror.
"Then there is Youri Tielemans. He came over from Monaco. He's on loan at Leicester City and he's someone that - well there are loads of teams linked with him - but he's someone that you'd want to have.
"And Nicolas Pepe at Lille. That kind of winger with his intensity, pace and skill. Those are the kind of players that are definitely going to improve any team. And they're at the age where they are going to be there for a few years. So that's a dream list if I'm being totally honest."
Arsenal went ahead and secured Pepe in a club-record £72m deal. But we went ahead and imagined how out XI can shape up next season if the other two players are purchased. A couple of things to tick off the list first though.
- We are not at all sure Chilwell is better than Tierney but it'd be foolish not to include a potential freshly-bought player in the XI.
- Tielemans takes up Lucas Torreira's defensive spot. We love our midfield terrier, however, we are wary of his links to Italy. Xhaka is more trustworthy.
- We are hoping Pablo Mari's deal is made permanent. Luiz is his centre-back partner - William Saliba will likely need a period of adaptation.
- There isn't a better playmaker at the club currently than Mesut Ozil. Which is sad but should explain his inclusion in the XI at least.
- We assume both Lacazette (deemed expendable by Arteta) and Aubameyang (for obvious reasons) leave. Gabi Martinelli and Bukayo Saka take their places in the XI.
That's all, folks! You can see the result below.
Do you think this XI is better than the one with Torreira and Tierney in it? Let us know below or drop your version on our new blogging platform!
