After winning just 2 out of their first 8 games in the Premier League season, many doubts were raised as to whether Arsenal could actually qualify for the Champions League. But, in true Arsenal under Wenger style, Arsenal once again qualified for this year's competition. If offered 3rd and the retaining of the FA Cup at the start of the season, Arsenal fans would have been satisfied, but not ecstatic by any means, if you ask me. But, following their opening to the campaign, they made the best of what could've been an utter disaster. A good run following the return of Koscielny after injury gives Arsenal a huge amount of hope coming into the new season. The dramatic improvement of Giroud led to a more relaxed Claude on Arsenal Fan TV (If you have not watched that, shame on you!) and a small improvement and reduction in Wenger's naivety in big games also gives a lot of hope for the new campaign.
Manager: Arsene Wenger
Having been at the club since 1996 until now, we know what we're getting with this man. His philosophy on the game has not adapted too much and his stubbornness is not something which is initially clear on the eye, but when studied, he is one of the most stubborn in the league. That being said, one can't knock the man's achievements. His regular qualification for the Champions League round of 16 is something that not many within the game can actually match and that is a credit to him. Having let Cesc Fabregas go to Chelsea last summer, many questioned if the man had a screw loose in the mind of his, however, his signature of Alexis Sanchez turned out to be one of the most astute in the league. As a Manchester United fan, I only assumed Angel Di Maria would completely outshine Alexis, but the only thing that was more significant from Angel was the price tag. The decision to use Coquelin last season having sent him on loan raised a few eyebrows, but once again, Wenger knew best. Coquelin's return led to a remarkable upturn in fortunes as Arsenal had a remarkable end to the season. Wenger will surely be aiming to make this campaign one where Arsenal come back as strong challengers for the title, otherwise, "The Professor" may need to consider calling time on his reign in charge of The Gunners.
Transfers: Ins: Petr Cech (Chelsea) £10m
Outs: Ryo Miyaichi (St Pauli) Undisclosed
Semi Ajayi (Cardiff City) Undisclosed
Abou Diaby Released
Ainsley Maitland-Niles (Ipswich Town) Loan
Lukas Podolski (Galatasaray) £1.8m
Carl Jenkinson (West Ham United) Loan
George Dobson (West Ham) Undisclosed
In one of the most astute bits of business completed all summer, the arrival of Petr Cech is something that will please many Arsenal fans. Having had a very tough year as number 2 behind Courtois at Chelsea, Cech will be more than eager to show Mourinho and Abramovich that their decision to let him go was extremely regrettable. As Ospina had found his way to number one and also had a fantastic Copa America this summer, Cech will need to be on top form to maintain his spot as number one, but the Czech goalkeeper will have no hassle in doing so. Two record holders leave Arsenal football club this summer- Lukas Podolski leaves as the man to take the most ever selfies at Arsenal and Abou Diaby leaves having spent the most time with the physio; however, neither departure will have an impact on the pitch. Carl Jenkinson departs to West Ham on loan once again having impressed last year, but his permanent departure from Arsenal seems imminent as Debuchy and Bellerin are currently at the club.
Rumours: Karim Benzema, Alexandre Lacazette, Fernando Llorente- Name me one big club in the world at this point who hasn't been linked with one of these in the past few years. Boring, boring and even more boring. However, Arsenal may need a striker and after the disappointing campaign Danny Welbeck just had in his first season, I have a feeling Wenger would have no mercy in cutting him to third choice. Benzema is the one from the above list with most potential of actually happening after ESPN reported he's flying to Arsenal; however, his agent earlier this window claimed he was "certain" to stay.
Wojciech Szczesny is on the move as he edges closer and closer to a loan move to Roma, to put an end to what really was an underwhelming stay at the club. Following the arrival of Cech, there will be no tears shed to see the Polish keeper depart, especially following his smoking controversy which was well publicised last season.
£200 million? According to an Arsenal chief, only Messi and Ronaldo are out of the range of Arsene Wenger; however, Wenger was not slow to deny these rumours. But, as Szczesny knows, there's no smoke without fire (Horrible joke, I apologise), so let's not be surprised if Arsenal have another £50m to add to this summer's spend.
Possible Lineup:
Key Player: Alexis Sanchez
To end your debut season in the Premier League with 25 goals in 52 games is no mean feat. However, to do that from the wing is simply astounding. Alexis Sanchez arrived at Arsenal with a wealth of experience following his days at Barcelona and Udinese and was not slow to make an impact. Having tormented defences from the standards of Burnley to Manchester City, he surely had laid claim to being one of the signings of the season last year. Arsene Wenger claims this man can have an "even better" season next year... I think a lot of people will be surprised if we see better than last year.
Young Star: Hector Bellerin
Last summer, the arrival of Matthieu Debuchy from Newcastle would surely have made Bellerin question if he was ever going to make his breakthrough at Arsenal. Following the lengthy spell Debuchy spent on the sidelines, Bellerin managed to get an extended spell in the team and took the eye of the public very quickly. I realise, picking a player who has made a few first team appearances as the "Young star" is poor form from me but ignoring this future Spain right back in this piece would be something of a huge insult to him after his extremely impressive performances last season. It won't be long until Real Madrid or Barcelona come knocking on the door of the speedy right back with an enquiry as to his availability.
Prediction: 4th
Arsenal? Qualifying for the Champions League? I'm really risking my credibility here, amn't I? Honestly, even after adding Cech and with rumours of a big arrival up front, I can't see a defence containing Mertesacker and Gibbs or Monreal mounting a serious challenge and maintaining it throughout a full season. As Arsenal fans may not be fully content with this, they must realise that Mancheter United, City and Chelsea have all made a serious march towards Premier League success in this window with some huge signings and as good as Cech is, they've not done enough to make huge ground on either of the blues at the top, in particular.
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