For much of the summer, media speculation has focused on the likely departures of three of Arsenal’s key players from last term. Mathieu Flamini was available on a bosman and decided to sign for AC Milan as soon as the season ended. The other two, Alexander Hleb and Emmanual Adebayor became much more protracted affairs with daily speculation centred upon their possible departures. Eventually Hleb left to team up once again with ex-Arsenal team mate Thierry Henry at Barcelona for a reported £12 million fee. Adebayor has since declared that he intends to stay at the Emirates Stadium and has reaffirmed his commitment by signing an extension to his contract.

Manager Arsene Wenger has also allowed Brazilian international Gilberto leave. He has moved to Greek outfit Panathiakos for a nominal fee.

In contrast to the departures there have been few arrivals at Arsenal with most of the investment centred on youthful promise. The most notable arrival is French international midfielder Samir Nasri. The 21 year old signed from Marseille for around £12 million pounds and is regarded as a direct replacement for the outgoing Hleb. He is comfortable on either flank and can also play as a support striker.

Earlier in the summer Arsenal managed to beat Manchester United to the signing of Cardiff City’s promising youngster Aaron Ramsey for a reported fee of £5 million. The 17 year old impressed in Cardiff’s run to the FA Cup Final last season and Wenger was delighted to capture a player who can operate in the midfield and on the flanks.

Wenger has also moved to sign a number of other promising youngsters. Portuguese youth international Amaury Bischoff has moved from German team Werder Bremen and Francis Coquelin joins from French side Lavel. Mexican striker Carlos Vela has also returned from a loan spell in Spain at Osasuna to provide competition up front.

If the media is to be believed, this summer has been a torment for Wenger. The loss of Hleb and Flamini coupled with speculation over Adebayor’s future has left many questioning Arsenal’s ability to hold on to its best players. But the reality is a little different. Twelve months ago many wrote off Arsenal’s chances after the sale of record goal scorer Thierry Henry. Instead the team thrived and only missed out on the Premier League by 4 points.

The fixture list has been kind to Arsenal at the start of the new season with no meeting against teams from last year’s top six until late October. There is an opportunity for the Gunners to start well and then maintain their form. Just like last season much will depend on keeping key players fit. Cesc Fabregas is the fulcrum of the team and his absence is unthinkable. This will also be an important season for Robin Van Persie and Tomas Rosicky who have consistently struggled with injuries for the last few seasons.

If Wenger can get the good start that he hopes for and then keep the squad fit, than it is not unwise to back Arsenal this season. The team looks to be young, but by now there is plenty of experience to mount a challenger.