What a defense would Wenger be able to put together if both of these guys agree to move to the Emirates! Just imagine seeing Ricardo Rodriguez on the left, Bellerin on the right and Koscielny and Koulibaly down the middle. Even though they are less known than other defenders out there, the two represent massive prospects given the fact that both are under 25. Integrating them in the team would create the perfect blend of experience, talent and youth. In 2-3 years, next to Sanchez, Ozil, Ramsey and Cech, Koulibaly and Rodriguez could really shine. Even though Arsenal don’t desperately need these two defenders right now, Wenger should take the chance if given to him. The Gunners could do one more year with Giroud and add a quality new striker who will cost whatever it takes to land him.
A while back Arsenal were rumored to have a transfer budget of about £70m. Given the fact that Wenger already spent £20m on Xhaka, that leaves more than half the transfer budget to spend. Koulibaly and Rodriguez cost around £35-40m leaving exactly £10m for a young striker to challenge Giroud and probably Welbeck when he returns from injury. There might be another option though that would increase the transfer budget and allow Wenger to end the summer with 4 massive signings including Xhaka. Oxlade-Chamberlain, Walcott and Debuchy who were linked to possible departures given their lack of game-time under Wenger’s management. Debuchy could bring an extra £20m, on the low end, £60m+ for Walcott to the right bidder with Oxlade-Chamberlain bringing in somewhere in between should Wenger sell them.
Aside from Xhaka, Koulibaly and Rodriguez, Wenger could bring in a player like Paco Alcacer (22 – Valencia), Batshuayi (22 – Marseille), Breel Embolo (19 – FC Basel) and last but not least, Henrikh Mkhitaryan (27 – Dortmund). Honestly, out of all these players, Batshuayi would be the dream signing. He’s got it all and he is affordable. He will probably cost more after Euro 2016 but, he will still be worth the money. With these 4 transfers, Arsenal would look totally different. Not only will they incorporate 4 new-age players who are part of the same generation but they will also close most of the gaps the Gunners had problems covering this season. Henrikh Mkhitaryan seems to want to leave Dortmund and has been linked to many Premier League teams and seems to be able to do it all – score goals, set them up and would likely work well with Ozil.
Here is how Arsenal could line up for next season:
