Yes, Mathieu Flamini has gone and Alexander Hleb looks set to follow. Nevertheless, Gilberto, Abou Diaby, and Denilson will compensate for the failure to secure a new contract for Flamini and, in Samir Nasri, the Gunners have catered for any potential loss of Hleb with the capture of one of the finest young talents from the continent.
Young, full of pace, and technically superb, the man once tipped as the next Zinedine Zidane had attracted a multitude of interest from around Europe before signing on the dotted line at the Emirates.
In press conferences, Wenger has seemed excited at the prospect of the Frenchman in the Premier League. He will have to learn quickly and surpass the low standards that he and his country set in the European Championships if he is to make an immediate impact. But he may have to be patient, as the likes of Walcott and Rosicky have learnt.
In recent years, Wenger has become an aficionado of the one-up-front system now used by so many Premier League managers. In Van Persie, Walcott, and the much-hyped Carlos Vela, Arsenal have a multitude of players who could be classified as wide forwards. However, they lack old-fashioned centre forwards—someone who can stick the ball in the back of the net on a consistent basis.
Last season, Emmanuel Adebayor filled the role, but it looks like he is set to leave after becoming too big for his boots and demanding a massive pay rise. This leaves just two options: long-term injury absentee Eduardo, who had impressed before his horrific injury last season, and the gifted, yet misfiring, Nicklas Bendtner—possibly another player who might have to step up his game if Arsenal are to threaten the best this season.
So who to fill this position?
David Villa looks unlikely to be heading for the Premiership. Mr Wenger has always been a keen admirer of fellow countryman David Trezeguet, and though his best days may be behind him, it may prove to be a shrewd signing.
Could Arsene attempt to snatch Dimitar Berbatov from North London rivals Spurs? Probably not, although he would prove ideal.
So what will it be for Arsenal? Will they finally achieve success or will the promotion of promising youth once again flatter to deceive?
Prediction: Fourth
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