With the Gunners in the midst of yet another turbulent summer, it’s worth asking the question: are they realistic title contenders next season?
After starting the summer strong, by bringing in Lukas Podolski from FC Koln and Olivier Giroud from Montpellier, Arsenal were hit by a Robin Van Persie shaped obstacle. It seems that all the planning in the world can’t account for the lure of clubs like Manchester City, and the Gunner’s Dutch maestro looks likely to move on this summer.
He released a statement last week that rocked the club, turned the fans and pretty much secured his move out of North London. But did he take Arsenal’s title chances with him?
We’re well accustomed to know-it-all fans and chuffed pundits reeling out the same old: “Arsenal haven’t won silverware in seven seasons” line, but it’s becoming increasingly painful as the team as a whole grows weaker and weaker.
At the moment Bet at Home have the Gunners at 8,50 to win the Premier League that makes them fourth behind favourites Manchester City (2,10), Manchester United (3,25) and Chelsea (5,60). And I’m sure that most pundits would tell you that these odds represent where the teams will end up next season.
Of course, there’ll be some that do the usual and wildly overrate Liverpool (20,00 to win the League), whilst Spurs fans may believe that this is their year (also 20,00).
My personal feeling? I think this is the year that the London sides will claw back a bit of dignity. Whether you were a Blue or a Red, Manchester was unstoppable this season and ended up finishing well above their London rivals. But surely the tables are set to turn this summer?
Both Chelsea and Arsenal have made great inroads in the summer transfer market. Eden Hazard will thrive in the Premier League whilst Giroud and Podolski should make up for Van Persie’s absence (between them).
Best of all: I’m fairly certain that Arsenal’s work in the transfer market is far from over. They’re surely on the lookout for a central midfielder (having been linked to Yann M’Vila since January) and will probably bring in another striker should they sell Van Persie. With a host of new faces and a wealth of success-hungry older statesmen, the time may be right for Arsenal to clinch their first piece of silverware in… how long was it now?
What’s your take? Who’s your favourite to win the Title next season? (and don’t say Manchester City – that’s too boring!)
And head to Bet At Home if you’d really like to stake your claim!
NO!!!! they wont win the league, not until the infighting and backstabbing stops
You make it sound like he’s already left? And the ‘lure’ of man city please if he goes there he’ll be more hated then Nasri and loose his ‘almost legend’ status at arsenal witch he has already stated is important to him. I don’t think he will be leaving this summer unless a big offer from over seas comes in… He’s holding out for the transfer of his ‘best friend’ afellay then he will sign! As for winning the league I don’t think so but FA Cup looks good and if Chelsea can win the champions league by parking the bus anyone can win it so who knows.
I believe we can win a trophy dis season if d right ingredient of players are injected into d team.we need players like demsey dat is used to d epl in our squad,we need a defensive midfielder in case injury start hitting d midfield,a playmaker also needed in d midfield.if possible a goalkeeper to be bought to make d dept more competitive.wenger shouldnt allow pre-season results to decieve him,he still needs to buy players.
Am using dis medium to cry out to fellow arsenal fans in d world to beg/reachout to wenger to buy Clint Demsey an already established potential goalscorer in d epl,wat alex ferguson use to win trophies is buyin of players dat are already used to epl dat doesnt need any developmt to epl play.gettin demsey will provide more goalscoring options to our game.
No we don’t have the quality to win the PL.
Even if RVP stays we are still a few decent players short of winning something.
One of the Manchester clubs will win the PL and FA Cup.
We can with a bit of luck !
keep rvp get dempsy and vila
no if they do then sign m’villa , ben arfa , and another decent defender.
I can see no reason why can’t Arsenal win some silverware this season. Last year arrivals will have jelled in and if Podolski and Giroud click then even without vanPersie it is a strong team.
Arsenal can!