ARSENAL could line-up with a new and improved starting XI this season – if Unai Emery secures his transfer targets.
SunSport's exclusive pictures show Nicolas Pepe holding a Gunners goody bag after completing his medical in North London ahead of a £72million move from Lille.
Celtic’s Kieran Tierney has spent the summer linked with Arsenal, as the Scot is eyed to fill the void at left-back.
Emery has also welcomed in Real Madrid midfielder Dani Ceballos to the squad on a season long loan replacing Aaron Ramsey – who left on a free to Juventus.
Keeper Bernd Leno was handed the No1 jersey this season, after Petr Cech retired at the end of last term.
The German stopper is unlikely to be replaced this season, having put in a number of Man of The Match performances towards the end of the campaign.
Hector Bellerin, 24, is expected to be trusted to start at right-back, despite playing only 19 games last season after a string of injuries.
FORMATION HEADACHE
Whether Emery plays a 4-3-3 or 3-5-2 formation, Granit Xhaka is likely to be played as a deep lying midfielder.
Uruguayan Lucas Torreira will rival the experienced Xhaka as the man to sit in front of the Arsenal backline.
New arrival Ceballos and German Mesut Ozil could find themselves partnering in part of a three-man midfield.
Though Ozil – who Arsenal are willing to sell but have yet to receive an offer – could also slot in at No10 in a 3-5-2 setup.
Tierney and Bellerin will be tasked with bombing up and down the flanks as wing-backs, providing delivery to those in attack.
Arsenal fans face the exciting prospect of lining up with Pepe, Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang next season.
Pepe and Aubameyang can both be deployed as wingers with Frenchman Lacazette leading the line as part of a three man attacking line up.
But if Emery opts to play two up front with a No10 in behind – all three of the forwards will be competing to partner each other.
ALTERNATE XI
Arsenal have also welcomed 18-year-old Brazilian forward Gabriel Martinelli – who signed for £6m from Ituano.
Forward Reiss Nelson, who spent last season on loan at Hoffenheim, has been brought back this summer.
The English star, 19, alongside Eddie Nketiah, 20, have both been given opportunities in pre-season.
Nketiah scored a winner against Bayern Munich and double against Fiorentina.
He, alongside Nelson and Martinelli could be given minutes in cup competition this season and would make a formidable front three.
Playmaker Henrikh Mkhitaryan will also be used as a rotational option for Emery this season.
He will compete to make the starting 11 alongside Alex Iwobi – with the pair both versatile.
Iwobi has admitted he relishes playing through the middle, despite regularly starting out wide.
Matteo Guendouzi could be the man to fill in at holding midfield during cup competitions or if an injury occurs.
In defence Arsenal have Rob Holding, Callum Chambers and Sead Kolasinac to turn to as alternatives options at full-back or centre-half.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles is also a versatile player for Emery, with the 21-year-old able to play across the backline or in central and wide midfield.
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