Arsenal to seriously challenge for EPL this season?

A new-look Arsenal seem more ready than ever to fiercely challenge for a league title they last won in 2004

For the first time in almost a decade, the pre-season mood at the Emirates seems to be different; with Arsenal fans having sort of confidence in their squad ahead of the English Premier League campaign.
Things started to get different last year, when Arsenal uncharacteristically splashed the cash for then-Real Madrid midfielder Mesut Ozil, and now things could be getting even better and better at north London.
Now there is no mention of a trophy drought, a setback suffered for nine successive years, and there are no sounds of supporters grumbling at the lack of reliable summer signings.
After managing to end their lengthy lack of silverware by winning the FA Cup title last season, Arsenal proved there could be something new this time around following their convincing 3-0 Community Shield victory over Premier League champions Manchester City.
The reason behind the change this time could be attributed to Arsenal board's decision to finally give up the frugal policy they have been adopting during the past seasons, allowing manager Arsene Wenger to break the bank for big signings.
“We want to win the Premier League and the Champions League. If we buy two or three players then I think we can,” board member Lord Harris said in the London Evening Standard back in May.
“We want to win. We don't want to be second, we don't want to be third and we don't want to be fourth.
“We will support Arsene with the players he wants to buy. He has always been encouraged to spend.”
Despite declining to reveal the club's transfer budget, Wenger is believed to have been handed a £100m kitty to spend on big names in the window - and the Frenchman indeed brought in some high-profile players.
Sanchez
The $30million signing of Chile star Alexis Sanchez from Barcelona could finally mean the team is no more overly reliant over striker Olivier Giroud, whose lack of mobility was something of a frustration to fans last season.
Sanchez, who bagged two goals for Chile at the World Cup this summer, could operate on the right of an attacking trio and could replace Giroud in the center himself – giving Wenger more than one option upfront.
Renowned for his tireless effort and rapier finish, 25-year-old Sanchez could now be providing much-needed movement and variety in central areas to free up spaces for onrushing midfielders - something Giroud could not accomplish.
Moreover, the arrival of Costa Rica marksman Joel Campbell – who spent the last three seasons on loan outside England – would further add energy and goal threat to the team's attack although there are question marks about his ability to last 90 minutes.
Debuchy, Chambers
Another interesting signing is France right-back Mathieu Debuchy who he is believed to prove the ideal replacement for compatriot Bacary Sagna after the latter had left for Manchester City.
The 28-year-old Debuchy, who joined from Newcastle for an undisclosed fee, is excellent at the back and upfield – with his willingness to surge forward and support the attack could contribute much to Arsenal's style of play.
And in case he is unavailable, Wenger will have little reason to worry about the right-back slot; with 19-year-old Hector Bellerin widely expected to be a revelation should he feature in that role.
The Spaniard, who joined from Barcelona in 2011, already produced glimpses of his talent in the pre-season Emirates Cup win over Benfica, running amok down the right flank and setting up Campbell for the second goal in the thumping 5-1 win.
Another player to steal the show in that game was Yaya Sanogo who put in a stellar performance which saw him grab four goals, but will need much to deliver in the upcoming season if he is to claim a role in his side's attack.
Newly-signed Calum Chambers is another arrival expected to fight for a center-back spot following the departure of Belgium defender Thomas Vermaelen to Barcelona.
Between the sticks, goalkeeper David Ospina - signed from Nice – would provide Wojciech Szczesny with the competition that Lukasz Fabianski understandably got fed up of losing before heading to Swansea City.
Even so, the goalkeeping spot will not be much up for grabs as Szczesny is likely to retain his place between the posts.
The midfield question
Higher up the pitch, question marks still surround Arsenal's defensive midfield, with Mathieu Flamini the only solid anchorman at the center of the park.
The Gunners suffered from Mikel Arteta's dip in form last season, where Arsenal's back four were constantly exposed, especially in the absence of the injured Aaron Ramsey.
And after failing to sign Sami Khedira due to the German's hefty wage demands, Wenger implied that his probable midfield pairing would be Jack Wilshere and Ramsey.
Chambers could also provide another option in that critical area – given his versatility and physical attributes that the French boss could well make the most of.
Still in the market
But what's really positive about Arsenal this season, is that they are yet to end their pursuit of more reliable signings - with reports linking them with Uruguay star Edinson Cavani, Newcastle midfielder Cheick Tiote and Greece center-half Kostas Manolas.
They have also been targeting Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema and Newcastle's Loic Remy just few months ago, proving their determination to shore up a side, once dubbed star-studded ten years ago.
In addition to the aforementioned additions, Arsenal will only need Ozil become more consistent, Arteta rediscover his lost form, and Santi Cazorla return to his first season in London.
Only then, they would be able to mount a serious title challenge till the end and not just settle for a mere top-four finish, but could they?
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