Arsenal’s worst Premier League season since 1995/96 may have ended positively with another FA Cup success, but their future at the top of English football is very much up in the air. Trading the Champions League for the Europa League for the first time in 19 years puts the Gunners in an unfamiliar position and raises a worrying scenario for fans. Plenty of changes are necessary from bottom to top at Arsenal, that’s for sure. The next season could shape Arsenal’s future as an English giant with the likes of Tottenham, Liverpool and Man United all on the rise with further Champions League campaigns on their agenda. With that in mind, we picked out three current Arsenal players who can play a huge role in getting the club back to the top next season.

Rob Holding

With two World Cup winners and multiple international defenders to compete with, young Rob Holding gave the football world a taste of what he’s capable of in the end of season run-in. Signed for an estimated £2m from Bolton Wanderers, Holding was expected to be raw and nowhere near ready to play for such a big club when he arrived at the Emirates. His Player of the Season award for the Championship relegation side the season before meant very little to Premier League fans who were weary of his inexperience. With injuries aplenty, the Stalybridge born 21 year old was handed a chance to shine at centre back for the Gunners and slotted in like a seasoned veteran.

Playing throughout Arsenal’s last six league games as well as the FA Cup Final, Holding looked assured, confident and notably wise on the backfoot. His ability to read a game, make interceptions and snuff out chances against players far more experienced than himself helped enhance his reputation and it appears likely that Holding will make plenty more than 18 appearances in his sophomore season. Uncertainty over Gabriel’s ability and Mertesacker’s longevity will further prompt requests for his inclusion and the future certainly looks rosy for Holding.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain

Since signing for Arsenal back at the age of 18, Oxlade-Chamberlain has been hyped up as a potential superstar for both club and country, only for persistent minor injuries to hold him back. Heavily linked with Liverpool towards the end of the season, Oxlade-Chamberlain showed how essential he can be to Arsenal’s revival as his dogged displays helped the Gunners win five of their last six games; one of those fixtures being the tricky Wembley FA Cup final against Chelsea. Last season, he took part in a personal record of 45 games across all club competitions, scoring six goals and eight assists. Although he didn’t hold down a particular position throughout the campaign, he looked to have finally secured himself a perpetual spot in Arsene Wenger’s side.

The Ox has an ability to play on the right or left side of Wenger’s new 3-4-3 preference, along with a capability to play central and defensive midfield, so it’s extremely unlikely that Arsenal would let him go. With a return to the Champions League now crucial, Chamberlain must display his value to the Gunners and the signs are that he can make the step up to a star player as he edges closer to his 24^th birthday.

Jack Wilshere

Despite his pivotal strike in the FA Cup Final, Aaron Ramsey has gradually become gradually less adored at Arsenal. Both his statistics and performances have been on the decline following a switch into a deeper midfield role. His impact on results has dropped to borderline embarrassing as he rarely commits key passes and finished last season with just one goal to his name in the Premier League. On the other hand, Granit Xhaka’s influence began to surface following Wenger’s change in formation. Xhaka’s inclusion meant that all too ineffectual Francis Coquelin’s involvement decreased; coincidentally, results improved in the process. Mohammed Elneny also hasn’t made a difference when he has been given chances, as rarely as they have been, playing a very basic role.

With Santi Cazorla repeatedly struggling with injuries and aforementioned names not up to scratch, the natural central midfielder capable of stepping in is highly regarded Jack Wilshere. In spite of a horrific injury track record, Wilshere finally appears ready to put his mark on Arsenal – provided he can dodge his injury curse as he did at Bournemouth last year.. In his best years in London, his classy displays in the centre of the pitch earned him a huge following of admirers including the likes of Xavi and Bastian Schweinsteiger. Close ball control, superb technique and tight dribbling are vital parts of his game but it’s the ability to combine these traits with tenacious tackling, intelligent movement off the ball and brave, combative leadership that can make him a commodity to Arsene Wenger going forward.

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