Why Arsenal will be serious title contenders next year

1. RvP

Whether Van Persie will stay or not is still a question mark. But with Wenger showing intent in the Transfer Market, and RVP’s family wanting him to stay in London, the chances are that he will stay at the Emirates. As Fabregas said, “I would love to see Persie to be the first Captain in 8 years to lift a trophy”. Robin’s scintillating form has proved that he is one of the best in Europe and if such form continues, another 30 next season should be enough.

2. Podolski

The strong mental and physical character of Lukas will be a big asset for the Gunners. The powerful left foot of his has ensured that there would be many goals in the opposition’s net over the years. Also, his experience will be an immense help. A good Euro for him would be the perfect warm-up. His technical ability is vast and can play on either wing, behind Persie and even as the main striker.

3. Transfer Market

Wenger has learnt very well from the last summer and has shown early intent in the market with Podolski already captured and the likes of M’Vila, Giroud, Dempsey, etc. already on his radar. A few more good buys would be enough. With Hazard now out of sight and Vertonghen preferring Tottenham (can’t understand why), Wenger has to look for alternatives and there are plenty in the market.

4. Ox & Wilshere

Alex “The Ox” Chamberlain, as he is popularly known, is considered as one of the hottest young properties in Europe and has already burst into the England national team for the Euro 2012. A truly technically gifted player and someone who can play on both sides and centre (where he is more likely to play), the 2012-13 season might well be the season of the Ox.

On the other hand, one cannot forget Wilshere, who unfortunately missed the whole season. But this wonder-kid is eager to get into the team and benefit his side. He has already shown his world–class playmaking attributes in the past and along with Chamberlain in the attacking midfield area, can definitely replace Fabregas and Nasri.

5. YOUTH TALENT

Arsenal’s youth talent, in my opinion, is the best in the world. If I start counting, we have Chamberain, Wilshere, Miyaichi, Campbell, Afobe, Wellington, Ramsey, Szczesny (don’t forget that he is only 22), Coquelin, Jenkinson, Martinez, Eisfeld, Gibbs, Frimpong, etc, the list goes on. And one eye-catching attribute that all of them have is speed. With Campbell hell-bent on breaking into the first team, and considered as a left-footed Henry, he along with many others would hope to get some first team action and Wenger will surely provide that to the deserving.

Don’t forget 4 of Arsenal’s players are among the Top 25 Young Players in the World.

6. Defence

The pace of Vermaelen, Koscielny and Sagna; the long legs of Mertesacker and the trickery of Gibbs and Santos, has been seen by everyone. But the problem has been that a part of the defence has always been missing all season due to frequent injuries. Wenger has had to use around 20 different backline formations and Arsenal have had to suffer a lot. But when the preferred back four of Gibbs, Koscielny, Vermaelen and Sagna were in action, no team was able to settle in our half and Arsenal won 7 in a row. With the support of Song and Arteta, with Squilacci and Djourou on the way out, another one or two additions to the back line would be enough to make this defence one of the strongest in the league.