Potential of the Immediate Arsenal First Team

If you look at the coming season and the weeks of transfer speculation to come, it is possible to lose sight of what can potentially be a very exciting time for Arsenal.

The rumoured signings of e and Sakho will potentially add steele, enthusiasm and will most probably breathe life and competition into the central defensive partnership.

William Gallas, as petulant as he may be, is still a top class defender and somebody who Arsenal had been able to rely upon for important goals, ironically leadership, and presence up until his injury, and i envisage him staying.

Wenger appears to prefer him to Toure, more due to him struggling to recapture his best form than Man City's reported interest, and Gallas is technically a better footballer than Kolo in my opinion.

The departure of the remaining member of the 'Invincible team' would not be all doom a gloom. Despite Toure's love of the club, all action displays, and commitment, his head has been turned, displayed in his handing in a transfer quest at Christmas.

His reported interest from City would provide Arsenal with an ever-welcome increase in transfer funds, or it may stop another player leaving.

The City bid may incorporate City England International Micah Richards, who despite a dip in form, is still a splendid player who only two summers ago was valued at 20million and was the England star in the making.

Wenger, who is reputed for developing players, would be a perfect manager for him, and being an Arsenal fan, would give him the chance to play for the club he supports, adding pride and a much needed English presence to the team.

Richards is also strong in the air, quick across the ground, he is comfortable going forward, and can at either right back or centre back, and I can see him competing with Vermaelen, Sakho, and Gallas for a starting berth, and challenging Eboue for back up right back.

Senderos is coming back to North London after Milan failed to take up their option to sign him for 6.9 million. Although his chances may be limited, I can see him adding experience and solid back up.

Arsenal always seem to have somebody out injured, and it would appear we finally have a dearth of back up in Gallas, Vermaelen, potentially Sakho, Djourou, Potentially Richards, and Senderos. He would add a laughable maturity going by the average squad size and will come back a better player.

However it remains to be seen if he will happy with that role, and if a bid comes in from a progresive club along the lines of West Ham, or Atletico Madrid, I come easily see him leaving for more first team chances and regular first team football.

His departure however may balance on the entry of another more versatile centre back, like Sakho, who is better on the ball and quicker on the ground than Senderos.

I see Djourous options limited, perhaps to back up to the first team through injuries, making carling cup appearances, or perhaps heading out on loan. Hasn't got the prescence to challenge yet, that will come with maturity and experience, perhaps from going on loan, although its yet to hear of any rumours or speculation on the subject.

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