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Arsenal have the best squad in the Premier League, claims Charlie Nicholas

Arsenal's Theo Walcott celebrates scoring their first goal with Alexis Sanchez and Shkodran Mustafi (REUTERS)
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Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has a number of options available to him this season.

Arsenal manager Arsene WengerArsenal manager Arsene Wenger

Speaking to Sky Sports, former Arsenal forward Charlie Nicholas has claimed the Gunners have the strongest squad in the Premier League.

Arsene Wenger was busy adding players to his squad in the summer transfer window, bringing in Granit Xhaka, Shkodran Mustafi, Lucas Perez and youngster Rob Holding to bolster his options.

The first two of those have proved to be smart acquisitions, establishing themselves as first team regulars in the first nine league games.

Arsenal's Granit Xhaka is sent off by referee Jonathan MossArsenal’s Granit Xhaka is sent off by referee Jonathan Moss

Those signings have added further competition for places in an already competitive group, with Jack Wilshere even resorting to a loan spell with Bournemouth to get first team football.

And Nicholas is particularly impressed, claiming they have the best options in the league.

“Arsenal have got the strongest squad in Premier League,” he told Sky Sports.

“The sort of players who come in here are experienced and should be ready to step up for the first team and seize on a disappointing result at the weekend.”

“There’s a few I’d like to see get a chance. One is the boy Jeff Reine-Adelaide, who I’ve only seen glimpses of but looks like he could be the next Alex Iwobi, and Mohamed Elneny is another one.”

Arsenal's Alex Iwobi celebrates scoring their seventh goal with Jeff Reine-AdelaideArsenal’s Alex Iwobi celebrates scoring their seventh goal with Jeff Reine-Adelaide

Several of the fringe players in the Gunners squad are likely to get their chance this week as the EFL Cup returns to action.

They face a clash with Championship side Reading at the Emirates, with the Royals currently sitting eighth in the table at present.

It is the perfect chance for Arsene Wenger’s side to bounce back from their disappointing 0-0 draw with Middlesbrough on Saturday.

And Nicholas is expecting them to do just that, predicting a 3-1 win with Olivier Giroud as the first goalscorer.

“Reading are still learning under Jaap Stam and I see no excuses for the Gunners, who will still have plenty of experience, so I’m expecting those who disappointed at the weekend to be pushed for their places in a comfortable win,” he added.

Arsenal manager Arsene WengerArsenal manager Arsene Wenger