Arsenal’s pre-season has kicked off with a bang, with two top signings being made early on in the transfer window of Chilean and ex Barcelona star Alexis Sanchez and French international Mathieu Debuchy (who has already has good experience of the English game) putting pen to paper- despite previous criticism. The Gunners boss has already expressed his optimism over the capabilities of the two players to have success with the club,
"He can play through the middle, he can play on both flanks and he has the qualities that I think are needed in England. He's brave, works hard and all these qualities together made me go for him,’’ he told Arsenal Player.
On Debuchy he had to say, ‘’he obvious replacement for Sagna was Debuchy and he's a player who has experience, he's played in the Premier League and he will also be in competition with Jenkinson, who I expect to move forward as well.’’
Wenger has in recent years struggled to make any early inroads in transfer deals, however this season is looking promising with the two big names already entering the club – easing the pressure on the signing of the few more players required for the Gunners to have a full strength squad that can compete for silverware this coming season. There are many transfer rumours floating around that have linked Arsenal with some big names including Sami Khedira and young Real Madrid centre half Rafael Varane; so if these signings were successful, it would certainly bode well for all fans and trophy potential.
Another thing to consider for Arsenal fans is that they will be entering the new season with a fully fit squad, with only Walcott arriving late from his knee injury in August – however with players like Diaby fit and Joel Campbell returning to the club after fine displays on loan, it looks like any areas that could be thinned early on are covered by such players who have shown top levels when seen in matches.
Furthermore, some players in the Arsenal squad showed fine form last season, such as Aaron Ramsey who after struggling following the leg break in 2008 came to life last season, but was not ever present as a lengthy injury disrupted what was a breakthrough season for the young Welshman. Also, Theo Walcott who showed his scoring capabilities in the same season, looked sharp after entering the season late, maintaining his fine run of form; however it was to be ended early with a knee injury that will keep him in rehab for another month. But Arsenal fans can hope that his improved consistency at performing at the highest level will return when he re-enters the team.
As well as this, with increasing options up front, the 4-4-2 formation that was adopted late last season with promising effects could be experimented with more this season, enabling talents such as Yaya Sanogo and Joel Campbell to get deserved playing time. For example, Giroud would stay up top as the target man, but due to isolation, this formation would aid him as either Walcott, Snachez, Campell or Sanogo could join him and run off him due to their pace, but also these players can stay out on the wing or be replaced by players like Chamberlain, Podolski, Cazorla or even Serge Gnabry who has shown glimpses of future stardom. Therefore, the formation can still accommodate every player, all of which have shown their abilities at top levels.
Lastly, the London club’s youth team are showing glimpses of what could be on offer for not only the far future but great opportunities for this coming season, for the talent to be shown on the Premier League field. Players such as Chuba Akpom have impressed the Arsenal boss for a while, and another top cameo in the 0-2 win over Boreham Wood in the red’s first friendly, where he tormented the defence and showed great physical development, can do no harm to his chances of featuring soon in competitive games. Furthermore, Gnabry has been in and out of the side and has been the most developed of the youth side at Arsenal, so this season could push him even further and the quality is certainly growing fast. Other top talent for Wenger’s choice include German playmaker Thomas Eisfeld, defender Isaac Hayden and more.
All in all, these are all positive signs that Arsenal are or are going to be very well equipped for the new challenges that await this upcoming season, with the whole squad fresh and fit for the new season, top signings, great depth and quality – all heading forward for the North London club.