Post Summer Review: Predicting the Ideal Arsenal Starting XI After New Signings

Arsene Wenger finally delivered on his overdue promise of implementing new signings into his young Arsenal squad.

After Cesc Fabregas departed to Barcelona on the inevitable £35 million move and Samir Nasri joined Manchester City for £25 million, the Frenchman was in desperate need of attacking reinforcements alongside the much required defensive security.

With the Gunners' enduring no wins in their opening three Premier League encounters of 2011/2012, which includes an 8-2 humiliation by reigning champions Manchester United, Wenger had no choice but to acquire quality signings to ensure Arsenal did continue to drop down English Football calibre as Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea and United all begin to utilize their excessive funds.

Arsenal fans were always sceptical, as Wenger has never sufficiently signed big, but as the summer concluded, the Gunners' faithful were left satisfied. Wenger signed Brazilian left back Andre Santos from Turkish giants Fenerbache for £6.2 million alongside Israeli playmaker Yossi Benayoun from Chelsea on loan and South Korean captain Park Chu-Young from AS Monaco for an undisclosed fee.

Arguably Wenger's marquee late signings, however, were giant German defender Per Mertesacker from Werder Bremen for £8 million and Spanish playmaker Mikel Arteta from Everton for £10 million. The Frenchman had close to £80 million to spend, and considering the circumstances, has secured strongly for the season.

The Gunners' regain their presence as a top four team and boast a strong squad that possesses depth and leadership. There is no denying the North London giants are behind in the season, but with the ability they now possess, the season can reignite when they encounter Swansea next week.

But just what is to occur with Wenger's squad now that the reinforcements have arrived?

Bleacher Report predicts Wenger's ideal starting XI with the new signings.

Goalkeeper: Wojciech Szczesny

The Polish youngster has been in sublime form since the commencement of the season as Szczesny continues to enforce his reputation as the best young keeper in World Football.

The 21-year-old's emergance last season ensured that for the first time in many seasons, Arsenal were not constantly linked with goalkeeper targets.

Szczesny is a strong and composed keeping presence who is set to have a huge season—his first full campaign in the Arsenal first team. A high candidate for the PFA Young Player of the Year, the Poland international will have to maintain his form, however, as countryman Lukasz Fabianski is fully fight after last seasons shoulder injury and will be eager to regain the first choice keeper role.

Italian youngster Vito Mannone is also a promising prospect.

Right Back: Bacary Sagna

The renowned and composed Frenchman is certain to enjoy another strong and consistent campaign for the Gunners' as the 28-year-old is entering his fifth season in Red and White and will hope to achieve 200 appearances.

Youngster Carl Jenkinson, the deputy to Sagna, has not been convincing in his quick exposure to first team football. After all, the teenager was playing League One with Charlton Athletic last season.However, the Englishman is a promising prospect but is unlikely to dislodge Sagna from his post.

Centre Back: Per Mertesacker

The German is an emphatic signing for Arsene Wenger and will greatly help eradicate the lingering defensive frailties that haunted Arsenal last season.

The 26-year-old was the best possible option for a defensive signing despite the presences of Gary Cahill, Phil Jagielka and Christopher Samba.

At 6'6'', Mertesacker is a hugely imposing presence who will provide great aerial security as well as a focal point from set pieces and corners. Furthermore, the Germany international, who boasts 75 international appearances, is a quick and composed figure.

A natural leader who is experienced and strong, Mertesacker's acquisition is one of Wenger's best.

Centre Back: Thomas Vermaelen

The Arsenal vice captain has shown how vital his presence is in the opening exchanges, and if a severe Achilles injury had not been sustained last season, the Gunners' surely would have secured silverware.

Strong, tenacious, fast and calm, the Belgian is considered one of the best centre halves in the English Premier League.

Combined with Mertesacker, his raw ability is present to form one of the strongest defensive partnerships in World Football as there is a great balance of height, power, speed and composure.

It is vital the 25-year-old maintains fitness in 2011/2012.

Left Back: Andre Santos

Wenger is impressive at establishing premier left backs, having developed Ashley Cole and Gael Clichy into renowned defensive presences. The Frenchman was a fullback during his playing tenure, and his acquisition of Santos is an impressive transfer.

The Brazilian is a fast and energetic presence who has thrived with Turkish giants Fenerbache over the last two seasons and has become an integral figure in the Brazil national team.

The 28-year-old ensures left back security and a tantalizing challenge with youngster Kieran Gibbs for the first choice left back role.

Defensive Midfielder: Alexandre Song

The Cameroon midfielder, who is currently serving a three-match ban from the opening match against Newcastle, will aim to continue his rapid rise when he returns.

The 24-year-old is such a strong and consistent midfield presence for Arsenal, who provides huge energy in both defence and attack.

With the departure of Cesc Fabregas, the former Bastia enforcer becomes the main leader in the Arsenal midfield, which is certain to result in an enhanced consistency and strength in Song's game.

The Cameroonian must be wary of teenager Emmanuel Frimpong, who has the ability to demote Song if his game drops.

Attacking Midfielder: Jack Wilshere

The 2010/2011 PFA Young Player of the Year, who is yet to feature this season due to an ankle complain, is close to return, and the teenager will instantly provide a rejuvenated attack to the Arsenal midfield.

The heart and soul of Wenger's midfield, Wilshere is smart, quick, agile and incisive, and fans cannot wait for the England international's return.

Considered one of the best midfielders in the Premier League and a future superstar, the 19-year-old is a future Arsenal captain and will only continue to develop, particularly as Wilshere now possesses sufficient experience.

Attacking Midfielder: Mikel Arteta

A strong signing by Wenger, Arteta now becomes the creative force in the Arsenal attack and greatly mitigates Cesc Fabregas's departure. The Spaniard has long been touted as an ideal Arsenal player due to his decisive movement, strong passing and impressive intelligence.

After eight seasons and over 170 Premier League appearances for Everton, the 28-year-old is experienced in the tough English game and is also a natural leader.

Fans are eagerly awaiting Arteta's presence in the Arsenal squad.

Right Wing: Theo Walcott

The Englishman has been strong in the opening games of Arsenal's season, despite the disappointments. Provided the 22-year-old maintains fitness, Walcott is set for a huge season for the Gunners', which could result in a permanent switch to the centre.

The England international's speed and balance is such an attacking force, and with more than sufficient experience and greater responsibility within the Arsenal squad, this could be the season of "Theo."

Left Wing: Gervinho

Arsene Wenger's first summer signing, the Ivorian, a £10.5 million acquisition from French champions OSC Lille, has greatly impressed since the season commences, despite suffering a red card on his Premier League debut against Newcastle.

Skillful, balanced, fast and clinical, the 24-year-old is certain to become a focal point in Arsenal's attack, and Gervinho has the ability to be an efficient goalscorer and assistant on the left wing.

Striker: Robin Van Persie

The Arsenal captain has not been overly impressive in the opening encounters of the 2011/2012 season but will naturally begin to thrive as the season ages. The lethal Dutchman too often becomes anonymous in matches as the lone striker and is unable to utilize his creative side.

However, his ability and presence is unquestionable in the Arsenal squad, and as the official new Arsenal captain, it should only benefit the 28-year-old.

Substitutes

There is sufficient depth in the Arsenal squad thanks to Wenger's late acquisitions, and with the Gunners' certain to endure a heavy injury list, it should ensure that the talented presences in the reserves will be able to state a claim.

With seven places on Wenger's bench, the likely outlook should be:

1. Lukasz Fabiasnki-The Polish keeper proved his worth in the opening half of last season before injury intervened and will ensure Szczesny will have to perform at his peak consistently.

2. Laurent Koscielny-A sterling third choice centre half, the Frenchman excelled in his first campaign last season and will provide great back up to Mertesacker and Vermaelen.

3. Kieran Gibbs-The England international will battle it out with Andre Santos for the first choice left back role, and many have stated the 21-year-old has the ability to emulate Ashley Cole.

4. Aaron Ramsey-The Wales captain will heave pressure on the Arsenal midfield to perform. Ramsey has appeared strong in the opening month of football but realistically has not done enough to assure his ability in the Gunners' attack.

5. Emmanuel Frimpong-The 19-year-old is destined to emulate Michael Essein. Frimpong is a strong and powerful defensive midfielder who has the ability to dethrone Alexandre Song as the first choice Arsenal midfielder.

6. Yossi Benayoun-The midfielder on loan from Chelsea will provide a huge spark and creative presence in the Arsenal attack and possesses the ability to play all across the forward and midfield line.

7. Marouane Chamakh-Arsenal fans are well aware of the Moroccan striker's ability, but Chamakh has been unable to find form since January but hopefully will be able to regain momentum in 2010/2011.

The Rest

Arsene Wenger's sufficient depth is highlighted with the remaining presences in the Arsenal squad.

Andrei Arshavin
Tomas Rosicky
Francis Coquelin
Benik Afobe
Ryo Miyaichi
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
Johan Djourou
Sebastien Squillaci
Ignasi Miguel
Vito Mannone
Craig Eastmond
Abou Diaby*
Oguzhan Ozyakup
Carl Jenkinson
Manuel Almunia