Arsene Wenger Set To Throw New Signing Straight Into Starting XI Against Southampton

Arsenal fans will finally get to see the club’s latest high profile signings in action on Saturday, when the Gunners take on Southampton at the Emirates Stadium.

Following what was at times a testing transfer window, Arsene Wenger moved late to secure the services of Shkodran Mustafi and Lucas Perez. Both players joined Arsenal in the closing days of the window, but fans have been forced to wait to see them in action due to the international break.

However it now looks likely that Mustafi will be parachuted straight into the starting team on Saturday, with Perez likely to make his debut from the bench.

According to The Telegraph, Mustafi will line up beside Laurent Koscielny at centre back, a partnership that could easily become Arsenal’s first choice as the season progresses. Moreover, the news will come as a welcome relief to fans, after Arsenal started the season with Calum Chambers and Rob Holding against Liverpool.

With Perez expected to be named among the substitutes, Olivier Giroud is likely to start up front, with Alexis Sanchez returning to his more comfortable role on the left. Mesut Ozil should start behind Giroud, with Theo Walcott and Alex Oxalde-Chamberlain fighting it out for a place on the right.

Finally, Santi Cazorla is expected to partner the impressive Granit Xhaka in central midfield.