After finally ending their long wait for a trophy and with Arsene Wenger set to put pen-to-paper on a new three year contract, things are looking up for Arsenal supporters.
For much of the season it appeared as though Wenger's side would be in the hunt for the Premier League title but ultimately it seemed they would simply have to be happy with another top four finish.
Thankfully for Arsenal fans there was more to celebrate thanks to a 3-2 win over Hull City in the FA Cup final and Wenger ready to commit his future to the club.
So we thought it was about time to assess the areas that need strengthening if Arsenal are to win their first league trophy since 2004.
>> Goalkeeper
The Pole is undoubtedly talented but is prone to lapses in concentration stemming from a lack of competition in his position.
Nancy goalkeeper Paul Nardi has been linked, but at 19 is a long-term project. The fact Asmir Begovic remains at Stoke with little interest from any of the league’s elite is a mystery
.>> Right-back
Bacary Sagna appears bound for either Manchester United or Manchester City and the French full-back has almost been taken for granted over the past seven seasons, such is his consistency.
Arguably the Gunners’ most efficient defender, his attacking abilities have decreased in his 30s but he remains a huge void for Wenger to fill. Carl Jenkinson is the obvious candidate to become first choice but Wenger may return to Ligue 1 where Toulouse’s Serge Aurier and Evian’s Daniel Wass would be affordable options.
>> Central midfield
Arsenal don’t necessarily need a ball-winner, as Mathieu Flamini performed that task admirably – they need a driving presence, a Yaya Toure or an Arturo Vidal.
Neither of those players are likely to be available so Wenger must look elsewhere for a dominating figure to compliment Aaron Ramsey, Jack Wilshere, Mesut Ozil and Mikel Arteta.
Southampton’s Morgan Schneiderlin would make sense, although he’s more in the Flamini-mould, while Bayer Leverkusen’s Lars Bender would be an astute purchase.
>> Striker
Towards the end of the season Olivier Giroud was performing as if he’s played in 101 games this season, not 51. The Frenchman has operated as Arsenal’s only primary striker with Lukas Podolski not able to perform centrally and Yaya Sanogo simply not ready.
Giroud’s three goals in his last 13 games is testament to his growing fatigue. Bayern Munich want rid of Mario Mandzukic and the Croat’s ability to lead the line and his experience make him an attractive candidate.
