What Could Arsenal's Squad Look Like Next Season?

Transfer speculation never ends when it comes to Arsenal, but what changes can Arsenal fans expect this summer? Pundits like Thierry Henry and Gary Neville say Arsenal has to buy world class players to challenge for the title. 

Where to strengthen the team is a subjective topic but the most widely held recruitment desires are well-known to be a defensive midfielder, a striker, a goalkeeper and maybe another defender.

Defence

Gabriel Paulista (24) could play a key role in Wenger's plans for next season. He has not forced his way into the starting line-up just yet as he is still getting to grips with communicating on the pitch. With a summer of hard word in his English - even just some basic phrases - he could start next season alongside Laurent Koscielny (29) as the new centre back pairing. Both have the pace to destroy opponents' counter attacks and stay in control of the game and the early signs from Gabriel have been good. Wenger did the right thing acquiring him in the winter.

The first leg against Monaco and recent games in the Premier League have shown the biggest weakness of Per Mertesacker (30). He is not able to close the gap behind him, if he is a foot too late it makes it a big task for Koscielny to do the cleaning job in behind. Mertesacker gets targeted by opponents because of this weakness and that makes it harder for the whole team to switch more smoothly between defence and attack.

Nacho Monreal (29) showed that competition for places gets the best out of players. On the other side of defence Héctor Bellerin (20) stepped up for the injured Mathieu Debuchy (29) and he could not have done a better job. His progress has been tremendous and I can not wait to see him continue.

Kieran Gibbs (25) has not really matured, but still is more than worth the backup position at left-back. Gibbs identifies himself with the club. He came to Arsenal when he was 12 and he still has the chance to prove himself at the Emirates.

Who do we have left to make up and enforce the defence?

We have Carl Jenkinson (23) who was on loan at West Ham in the 2014/15 season and impressed for the London side. He could go on loan again next season. Bellerin's development makes him number 3 at right-back with Debuchy and the young Spaniard in front of him.

Then there is Calum Chambers (20) who started well. He is still a rough diamond and will be the 4^th centre back next season if nobody leaves. With four defenders for the central position and possibly Debuchy, Monreal and Jenkinson who can play there too, we don't have to worry about strength in depth.