Arsenal have been in the news in recent times for being one of the very few clubs to have actually registered a profit. However, the downside to that is that the Gunners have not been able to get the big-ticket players on their plate and in turn, it is safe to assume that it is the reason why they haven’t had too much of the silverware in recent times.
The last time that they had won the EPL was way back in 2003-04 and since then they have been in the top two only once.
Arsenal have not had the best of times in their pre-season run-ups to the tournament; what with the likes of Samir Nasri and Cesc Fabregas in the process of departing from the club. What has probably not helped the side is not only the fact that they will no longer be with the club but also that there was so much uncertainty around their future, making strategy-planning an object in futility. What now remains to be seen is whether Nasri and Fabregas’ replacements will be able to bale the side out of any trouble.
Interestingly, the club has made a couple of signings only during the transfer window so far, getting in the pair of Gervinho and 17-year old winger Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. With the time quickly running out on the transfers, it will behove Wenger to get going with some more contracts doled out before August 31- the last day of the transfer window.
Of course, the other issue is that around fitness. As one would have expected, there would have been injuries to the players but to lose as many as seven players to fitness issues, is something unacceptable. Robin Van Persie is one of them, with the likes of mid-fielder Jack Wilshire, striker Theo Walcott, mid-fielder Abou Diaby and centre half Thomas Vermaelen also struggling to come to grips with 100% fitness before the start of the season.
There are form problems as well. Clichy has left and with Kieran Gibbs having not yet recovered from an injury, the early part of the season will see Wenger wanting to try out someone who can easy slip into the role.
Where Arsenal could do well is the presence of Wenger as the manager, whose tactical nous and the experience to go with it will make things easier for the side. However, it is difficult to see them win the title by overcome the title-contenders, Manchester United and Chelsea, apart from the challengers Manchester City.