Arsenal: Potential 2017/18 starting XI without Mesut Ozil or Alexis Sanchez
By Henry Payne
Sead Kolasinac
Whilst both Nacho Monreal and Kieran Gibbs have regained some form, a new wing-back is needed to fully capitalise on the formation. Monreal was the epitome of stability for years up until this season, and Kieran Gibbs has never been able to stay healthy and was not able to supplant a substandard Monreal earlier this season.
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Enter Sead Kolasinac.
The Bosnian is out of contract at Schalke in the summer and has been heavily linked with a move to North London in recent weeks, with some reports even suggesting that the move was near completion.
Kolasinac would be a marauding runner down Arsenal’s left-hand side, and would also bring some aggression and passion which is severely lacking in the current squad. His crossing needs some improvement but that is the case for many wide players.
Nacho Monreal and Kieran Gibbs would still play important roles in this team, however, I think that Monreal would make a full-time transition into a centre-back, as I believe his mental astuteness suits the position. Gibbs would bring adequate depth to this positon in cup competitions if he can stay fit.