Arsenal FC: Can the Gunners Challenge for the Premier League Title Next Year?

It has been an odd season to say the least for Arsenal.

A dire start to the campaign meant that after seven games, Arsene Wenger's boys were floating around at the foot of the Premier League table, desperately searching for wins.

A good spell of results, followed by a second midseason blip, left the Gunners trailing the Champions League places and rivals Spurs by around 12 points at the start of February.

However, in what has been one of the most successful ends to a season from Arsenal in a long while, the Gooners have managed to claw their way into third position, now sitting two points clear of the men in white from across the way.

Obviously for the rest of this year Arsenal need to simply focus on securing a Champions League place, but what lies ahead?

There is no doubt that if Arsenal can play as they have been in recent weeks on a consistent basis next season, they will be genuine title contenders. 

Unfortunately for Gunners fans this is the exact problem—consistency.

The highs and lows of the past seven seasons have resulted in a barren spell for the club which so effortlessly took home silverware at the start of the last decade.

But where does the problem lie and how can the inconsistency be fixed?

At the start of the year, I would have pinpointed the defence, but the likes of Laurent Koscielny and Bacary Sagna have shown significant improvement. Along with the recent return of Thomas Vermaelen, they have been part of one of the best defensive lineups in the entire division over the past couple of months.

Of course, the one factor that never changes at Arsenal is Robin van Persie. The one-man goalscoring machine is probably the best out and out striker in the Premier League at the moment, and with a constant supply from Alex Song that doesn't look like changing any time soon.

What has really been missing from Arsenal this season is that second attacking drive from the centre of the park.

The role which Nasri and Fabregas both carried out so well during their time at the Emirates has not been filled by the likes of Rosicky and Arteta.

So where do Arsenal need to look to find an adequate replacement?

Well he's probably in the Physio Room as we speak.

Jack Wilshere is a future England star and has the potential to be the best English player since Gazza.

The addition of Wilshere brings back the creative flair that was somewhat lost when Cesc and Samir departed over the summer.

Injuries have plagued his thus far short Arsenal career, but if he can get over this and get back on form, who knows what Arsenal can achieve.

Add on top of this the recent signing of German "wonder kid" Lukas Podolski, and you're looking at a team that could give any English side a run for their money.

Despite not shining at German giants Bayern Munich, Podolski has shown time and time again on the international stage just exactly what he is capable of.

As an avid follower of the German national team, the thought of Wilshere, RVP, and Podolski teaming up is one to make the mouth water. (And I'm a United fan!)

Whatever the case, Arsenal need to put this trophy-less season behind them, as they look ahead to new beginnings.

It will be very interesting to see what happens with the Gooners next year.

Can they challenge for the title? Yes, I think they can.