Formed: 1886 Manager: Arsene Wenger Stadium: Emirates Stadium Capacity: 60,338 Years in Premier League: 23 Last 3 seasons: 2014-15: 3rd 2013-14: 4th 2012-13: 4th Best finish: 1st (1997-98, 2001-01, 2003-04) Opening day fixture: West Ham United (H), Aug 9 Last day fixture: Aston Villa (H), May 15
This season’s aim:
After back-to-back FA Cup wins, Arsenal will be looking to make the step up during the 2015-16 season and mount a serious challenge on Chelsea’s Premier League title after an improved third-place finish last term. With last summer’s super signing Alexis Sanchez firing on all cylinders and the Czech Republic’s Petr Cech set to deputise in goal for the Gunners following his summer switch from Stamford Bridge, Arsene Wenger’s men behold a greater strength of balance throughout the squad and should be aiming to challenge for top spot.
Transfers in:
Petr Cech (Chelsea)
Transfers out:
Ryo Miyaichi (St Pauli), Semi Ajayi (Cardiff City), Abou Diaby (Marseille), Ainsley Maitland-Niles (Ipswich Town), Lukas Podolski (Galatasaray), Carl Jenkinson (West Ham United), Wojciech Szczesny (Roma), George Dobson (West Ham United), Chuba Akpom (Hull City)
Star Player: Alexis Sanchez
The Chile international enjoyed a fruitful debut season at the Emirates Stadium, scoring 25 goals in 52 appearances in all competitions for Arsenal last season as the Gunners lifted the FA Cup for the second successive season. After arriving from La Liga giants Barcelona last summer for a reported fee of £35m, the Copa America winner’s price tag was well worth every penny as Sanchez became a vital source of goals for Arsene Wenger’s side alongside Olivier Giroud. If the two forwards continue to find the back of the net on a regular basis for the Gunners, Arsenal could be looking at mounting their first serious title bid in over a decade.
Shoot’s Arsenal Blogger: Dave Seager
Blogger’s view: “I am more optimistic about Arsenal ahead of this campaign than I have been for a while. Some may point to weaknesses in the squad which are minimal but the depth, quality and the resulting competition for places bodes well. Add to this the two key ingredients of evident squad togetherness and Arsene’s new willingness to adapt formations and tactics to the opposition, and Gunners everywhere should be excited.”
Blogger’s key man: Petr Cech
Shoot Says: Top-four