Here is a preview of the changes Arsenal made, and their projection for the upcoming season:
- Players In: Marouane Chamakh (striker, free transfer), Laurent Koscielny (centre back, £9.7 million), Sébastien Squillaci (cente back, £6.5 million), reserve and academy team players
- Players Out: Mikaël Silvestre (centre back, end of contract), William Gallas (centre back, end of contract), Sol Campbell (centre back, free transfer), Eduardo da Silva (striker, undisclosed fee, but rumored to be about £6 million), Philippe Senderos (centre back, free transfer), Fran Mérida (attacking midfielder, free transfer), reserve and academy team players, and those out on loan
- Strengths: Attacking Midfield. The team is stacked in that area with Nasri, Arshavin, Rosický and to some extent Fàbregas (he plays in the middle, but does like to come up from time to time). For the first time in a while, all 4 seem healthy, and with wonderkid Aaron Ramsey coming back from an injury, it would be hard for anyone to match up with Arsenal there. Defensive midfielders were a concern last season, but Song, Denilson and Diaby should keep improving and provide more cover for the attackers.
- Weaknesses: Goalkeeping, with Almunia’s situation unknown and his replacements untested. Another problem area could be central defense, as while Arsenal do have 4 centre backs right now in Vermaelen, Koscielny, Squillaci and the often injured Djourou, they could still use another player to fill in.
- Projected Place: 2nd
- Overall: Arsenal is a very strong team already, and with a few more signings (defender, goalkeeper and maybe a defensive midfielder) they could surely win the Premiership this year.
