Arsenal: 3 Reasons They Won't Qualify for Champions League in 2011-12

The Gunners have had a rough summer transfer window thus far. There has been more speculation of players leaving Emirates Stadium then actual players coming in. 

Arsenal will, unfortunately, have a drop off from their previous season and extend their trophy-less drought for another year. Arsene Wenger has promised big spending this summer, but has only been able to capture a gifted player in Gervinho and a young left back defender in Carl Jenkinson.

Many of the Gunners faithful have been waiting patiently, but nothing has come. Fans are starting to become restless as they see their rival giants Manchester United, Manchester City acquiring talent and getting better.

It is going to be a very tall task for Arsenal to get in the top five of the table. Unless a dramatic transfer comes in or the Gunners are able to keep their top flight talent, then I find it very hard to believe they will be a major competitor for not only the English Premier League, but Champions League qualifying as well.

Here are a few reasons why.

Captain No More?

I do not need to tell you of all the rumors swirling around Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas and fellow midfielder Samir Nasri.

It is not a far off thought that the two may not be a part of the 2011-2012 Arsenal squad. Fabregas seems all but on his way to Barca, and Nasri has become a hot ticket in the last few weeks. Even if one of these two end up leaving, the midfield will surely be worse off than it was previous. 

Defender Gael Clichy took off and headed to the Eastlands with Roberto Mancini. This is not an entirely huge loss, but a major contributor, big time defender and the locker room leadership that he has is invaluable.

Arsenal seem to be at a major loss of big-time players, a sign that does not bode well when heading into major competition.

On Their Way?

Is Arsene Wenger calling anyone up? Anyone?

Maybe I am missing some headlines or articles, but Arsenal have not been rumored or mentioned to be a leading candidate for any major footballers in the summer transfer window. The biggest name that I have seen more than once with several credible websites and papers is Gary Cahill.

Cahill is no doubt an above average player, but this does not fit a pressing need when the heart of the midfield looks like it will no longer have a heart. 

Arsenal will need stars to be able to compete next season, and if they even want to qualify, they are going to have to have their youth step up.

Losing the Race

It is very simple, the better teams of last season continue to get better. 

Let us look at Manchester United. David de Gea, Ashely Young and Phil Jones. The team upgraded positions as well as pushed for more youth. They are also a leading candidate for Inter Milan midfielder Wesley Sneijder.

Side note, Samir Nasri has been targeted by the Red Devils as well.

Manchester City are in process of upgrading their squad, even with the loss of Tevez. Liverpool seems to be poised for a big campaign with the tandem of Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll. Chelsea are a strong force to be reckoned with on a consistent basis, and Tottenham always seem to give Arsenal a good match.

The Gunners seem too stagnant to me for a team that has not won a trophy in half a decade and continue to choke when games matter the most.