Ranking Arsenal’s squad in order of importance from 24-1 with Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez fighting for top spot

6. Per Mertesacker

When the German first arrived from Werder Bremen in 2011 there were question marks over his suitability for English football, but the 29-year-old has adapted to become one of the best centre-backs in the league since then.

5. Theo Walcott

Like Oxlade-Chamberlain had his last campaign at the club disrupted by a serious knee injury, but Walcott is one of the best attacking players at Wenger’s disposal.