Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger's dream XI for 2016-17 revealed

Arsenal first eleven team picture

The Frenchman feels let-down by his players and is plotting a major shake-up of the squad — here's who could be arriving and candidates to be shipped out

Arsene Wenger is determined to stay on as Arsenal manager - and wants to oversee a major rebuild of his squad this summer.

Wenger has been left frustrated after watching the Gunners’ title challenge fall apart, and is questioning himself and whether his squad is strong enough mentally.

It is likely to lead to a big clear-out at the Emirates, with boss Wenger targeting several summer buys — so all the signs are pointing towards him seeing out the final year of his £8million-a-year contract.

The 66-year-old, who celebrates 20 years in charge of Arsenal in October, is understood to be determined to rebuild and believes he can ride out the current storm.

Arsene Wenger is determined to stay on as Arsenal manager - and wants to oversee a major rebuild of his squad this summer.

Wenger has been left frustrated after watching the Gunners’ title challenge fall apart, and is questioning himself and whether his squad is strong enough mentally.

It is likely to lead to a big clear-out at the Emirates, with boss Wenger targeting several summer buys — so all the signs are pointing towards him seeing out the final year of his £8million-a-year contract.

The 66-year-old, who celebrates 20 years in charge of Arsenal in October, is understood to be determined to rebuild and believes he can ride out the current storm.

Arsenal want to rebuild the spine of the team as Wenger targets a major shake-up of the squad and are long-term admirers of Southampton midfielder Victor Wanyama.

They have already been offered Paris Saint-Germain's free-agent-to-be superstar striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic, while Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos and Borussia Dortmund frontman Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang have been watched.

However, the re-emergence of Danny Welbeck after a long-term knee injury means midfield and defence are the key areas in need of strengthening.

Veteran midfielders Mikel Arteta, Tomas Rosicky and Mathieu Flamini are all set to leave when their contracts expire this summer, while France right-back Mathieu Debuchy will be sold.

England left-back Kieran Gibbs could also be on his way after losing his first team place to Nacho Monreal.

 

Per Mertesacker’s long-term future is under threat as Arsenal look for a new centre-half, with Everton's John Stones a potential target, while No.2 keeper David Ospina could look to go after growing frustrated with being Petr Cech’s deputy.

There has been interest from Juventus in forward Alexis Sanchez, but Arsenal are confident he will stay and sign a new contract despite a disappointing second season in England.

Arsenal are also optimistic playmaker Mesut Ozil will sign a new deal, with further contract talks planned for next month.

Wenger is always cautious when it comes to shaking up his squad and hopes of major signings in the past have often failed to materialise.

 

 

 

 

Wenger's dream XI for 2016-17

 

How the Arsenal manager would love to see his Gunners line up next season (we've limited it to new signings he actually has a chance of getting, so no Messi, Ronaldo, Neymar or Suarez):

 

Goalkeeper Cech

 

Defence Bellerin, Koscielny, John Stones, Monreal

 

Midfield Victor Wanyama, Toni Kroos

 

Forwards Welbeck, Ozil, Sanchez

 

Striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic.