Can Wenger take Arsenal to another heights?

It’s amazing what winning a trophy can do to a team, especially if it comes after going trophyless for close to a decade. For a club like Arsenal, where the expectations are always high, that FA Cup win seems to have broken the shackles. Winning the FA Cup seems to be a motivator for the Wenger and expectations are high for this new season.

In seasons past, Arsene Wenger has always dithered on signings, waiting till the last minute to confirm any move. But this season has been different and transformational not just in terms of the quality of players the club is buying, but in terms of the timing with which things are moving.

It is almost unprecedented, at least in the recent past, for Arsenal to have plugged all the holes in their team before August. But that’s what they have done this summer, with four amazing players signed already. And with the recent acquisition of captain Thomas Vermaelen by Barcelona, the only area where Arsenal really need a player is in the defence.

The quality of the signings also shows a sense of urgency from the club and the manager. Previously, while the team was crying out for a major signing to increase the quality of the team and the performance as a whole, Arsene would opt for the signature youngster who would obviously require time and a lot of games to make it to the first team on a regular basis. The team suffered for it in the short term; though there have certainly been long-term gains.

But all the Gunners signings this season, barring perhaps Calum Chambers, are players who would fit into the first team, improving an already experienced and talented squad. Even the 19-year-old Chambers, based on his pre-season form, may end up being a positive buy for Wenger going into the new season.

The story of the transfer window for Arsenal has certainly been Alexis Sanchez. If Mesut Ozil was a shocking buy last season, Sanchez certainly added to the allure that Arsenal are now in the big league.

Ivan Gazidis seems to be standing true to his word that there would be an Ozil type signing every year now. Sanchez brings a much needed pace with vast intellect to the forward line that suffered after Theo Walcott’s injury last season, and his versatility allows him to play in all 3 attacking positions, giving Olivier Giroud a respite in the attack.

Last season, the attack was often lacking in pace and overly reliant on Olivier Giroud. But all that should be change this season. Alexis Sanchez can play in any of the front four positions while the pre-season performances of Yaya Sanogo also makes him a serious option as the main centre forward. He is less reliable than Giroud but also quicker, more mobile and more unpredictable. Theo Walcott should also return in September.

The Gunners do also have considerable strength in depth in central midfield, especially if Jack Wilshere, Abou Diaby and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain stay fit. All the indications are that this could be another massive season for Aaron Ramsey.

Mathieu Debuchy signing seems to be a perfect replacement to departed Bacary Sagna at right back position.

Wenger would have loved to continue with the Frenchman (he confirmed that Sagna was offered a 3-year deal contrary to reports in the media), but Debuchy is equivalent in terms of exposure.

Coming off a world cup experience in which he had a decent performance, he will certainly be able to fill the space left behind by Sagna.

David Ospina was signed to replace the departed Lukas Fabianski, and the fight for the number one goalkeeper spot will be a lot tighter this season.

While Fabianski was a more than capable keeper, having won the FA Cup for Arsenal, he had far too many injuries and psychological issues early on in his Arsenal career to make a big impact.

But Ospina will not have such problems and Wojciech Szczesny will certainly be on top of his game if he does not want to lose his spot.

Chambers is a youngster with plenty of versatility and there is no doubt that he will be a first team player, after having a brilliant season for Southampton in the Premier League. He stands as a possible backup to the injury-prone players. He can also play at right back, centre back and as defensive midfielder positions, so he will have a huge role to play in the season.

While the temptation is to consign Arsenal to yet another 4th placed finish in the league, this will be a hard season to predict for all the teams. Unlike other seasons, all the top teams have strengthened their squads.

But Arsenal seems to have returned with their swagger, if the summer is anything to go by. It will be interesting to see the kind of season the gunners have, as it will be a major indicator on the future of the club.

ANTHONY NLEBEM