Arsenal
Arsene Wenger has yet to strengthen his side significantly, with the only notable signing coming in the form of Thomas Vermaelen, the £10 million defender joining from Ajax. He will have to act as a direct replacement for Kolo Toure however, as the Ivory Coast centre-back, and last remaining member of the famous ‘Invincibles’ squad, has moved onto big-spending Manchester City. And he’ll be in familiar company as he is joined at Eastlands by big striker Emmanuel Adebayor. The Tongolese international looked out of sorts at times last season but nobody can deny his goal threat. It is something that Arsenal will miss.
Despite the lack of signings, however, Arsenal fans can still look forward to the new season. The returns of Eduardo and Tomas Rosicky to full-time action are a major boost to Wenger and with Cesc Fabregas fully fit they should still be able to cement their top four status.
Whether simply ensuring Champions League qualification once again is enough for Arsenal fans remains to be seen, but a title challenge is simply beyond them unless Wenger strengthens the team in all areas before the window closes, something which looks increasingly unlikely.
Prediction: 4th – Arsenal simply do not have the squad to mount a serious title challenge this season. They will also have to contend with a string of improved sides below them all looking to take the Gunners’ Champions League spot. They should still manage it, but expect them to be pushed even harder than they were last year.
Key Man: Cesc Fabregas. The Spaniard holds the keys as far as Arsenal are concerned. With him on the sidelines last season, Wenger’s men lacked creativity going forward and thus scored less than expected. If Fabregas can stay injury-free he should combine well with the likes of Andrei Arshavin, Samir Nasri and Tomas Rosicky to provide plenty of scoring opportunities, as well as chipping in with a few goals himself.
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