With this current Arsenal team set to finish in 6th place, the worst Premier League finish in the reign of Arsene Wenger, you could say that the new manager of the Gunners, whoever it turns out to be, has a massive job on his hands.
Despite the squad being full of big name players such as Mesut Ozil, Aubameyang and Mkhitaryan, we still have not earned a single EPL point away from home in this calendar year, so huge improvements are needed, but that does not necessarily mean that this squad needs to be ripped apart and wholesale changes to it made.
Petr Cech is still a decent age for a keeper and Ospina has proved time and again to be an able deputy. Koscielny may be out for a while due to injury but with Chambers, Holding and now Mavropanos looking good prospects I do not think our defensive options are lacking.
In midfield we have real talent. Xhaka, Elneny and even Wilshire provide a good base while Ozil, Iwobi and Mkhitaryan have attacking class to burn. And there are very good young Gunners coming through. Welbeck may not be a world class striker but he is looking sharper and in form can be a real asset, while Aubameyang and Lacazette can be awesome.
Of course the new manager will want to make a few big signings but I really do not think that he needs too much transfer action to get us challenging for the title straight away. The really important thing is to get this misfiring and inconsistent squad of players to perform at their top level.
Do that and I truly believe that Arsenal can be in the mix for the title next season. Do you share this belief Gooners, or do you think we are set for a long time on the fringes?
Sam P.