Ultimate Guide to Arsenal’s 2016/17 Season

It’s easy to forget that Arsenal actually finished last season as runners-up. After besting their rivals for most of the season, Tottenham Hotspur capitulated in the final few fixtures to allow the Gunners to leapfrog them and claim second place.

As much as Arsenal fans enjoyed getting one over their neighbours, there was still an overwhelming sense of frustration among the supporters about the fact that they were pipped to the title by humble Leicester City.

The prevailing feeling is that last season was a unique opportunity for the Gunners to recapture the title, with so many of their traditional rivals falling by the wayside.

In 2016/17, those giants are likely to be back in the hunt. There are a host of new managers and signings to contend with—even Arsenal’s customary top-four spot now looks under considerable threat. 

In this piece, we examine the key themes and issues that will dominate the next 10 months at Arsenal.

Is this Wenger’s swan song? 

Arsene Wenger starts the new season with just 12 months to go on his contract—and, as of now, there is real uncertainty as to whether he will extend his deal. 

That means this could be his final season at the Emirates Stadium. It’s almost impossible to conceive of Arsenal without Wenger now—his name has become synonymous with a club built in his image.  

Wenger has intimated that he will wait until late in the season before deciding if he will renew, telling Amy Lawrence the Guardian: 

It’s not about me, it’s about the club. My role is just to serve the club as well as I can and after see where I stand and where the club is. I have to forget about myself even if people who want to create unrest don’t. I will continue to give my absolute best to do well next season and then after that, we’ll see. 

My appetite is stronger than ever. Even if I decide in January that I will not extend my contract, that will not affect my attitude.

There are not many clubs where the manager effectively gets to decide his own fate—but Arsenal is one such team.

Right now, it is very difficult to ascertain what conditions would see him decide to quit. It’s possible that a successful season could make him want to go out on a high. Alternatively, if Arsenal fail to challenge for major honours, the discontent among the supporters could force Wenger to consider his position.

Arsenal are potentially on the cusp of the end of an era. For that reason alone, this season could be a hugely memorable one.

The New Boy: Granit Xhaka

Thus far, Arsenal’s only major summer signing has been Swiss midfielder Granit Xhaka. The club have also recruited youngsters Takuma Asano and Rob Holding, but neither player is expected to play a particularly significant …

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