First choice Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny has claimed that the Gunners are in a stronger position than they were before the start of last season, irrespective of whether club talisman Robin van Persie stays at the Emirates or leaves.
Arsene Wenger faced similar troubles last term to the one he is facing with Van Persie this season, when Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri both left the North London club close to the end of the transfer window.
However, with the Arsenal boss bringing in two new faces in Olivier Giroud and Lukas Podolski this summer, Szczesny believed that the upcoming season would entail more success than they experienced last time around.
“At the beginning of pre-season last year, everyone was saying it was doom and gloom with everyone leaving the club,” Szczesny said. “No-one’s left the club at the moment. We have new signings, we’re stronger defensively and so we’re in a better position.”
The custodian, like his manager, still maintained hope that Van Persie would stay on at the club, adding: “It will be disappointing if he leaves because Robin is our captain and he’s our leader. I’m very happy to have him at the club. He’s still an Arsenal player, and we support him all the way.”
Szczesny suggested that the young Arsenal squad had gained more experience last term, and was in a better position to challenge for both domestic and international honours in the upcoming term.
He also lavished praise on new boy Lukas Podolski, pointing at the German’s international’s excellent scoring record as reason for the 27-year old being a huge coup for the North London club.
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