So, where do we stand

So with Koscielny signed up and the deal to secure Mark Schwarzer about to be concluded where do we stand in our preparations for next season. As we all know Silvestre, Senderos and Gallas are all off to pastures new with Sol Campbell likely to join them. Djourou is returning from injury to take one vacant spot and the aforementioned Koscielny will take another.

If Wenger doesn't sign another centre back then it looks like he will be giving game time to either Hazard Nordveit or Kyle Bartley. At the moment it would be difficult to pick one over the other with any certainty but some games in the carling cup could show us where there development is at and if either of the two are worth holding onto for another season.

Much of last seasons troubles have been attributed to our incompetence in goals. Weeks end should see Mark Schwarzer given the task of bringing some much needed calm and composure to our defence. If he sits in as well as I hope he does then Arsenal should take a significant step towards clear progress.

Further up the field there is little change. With the uncertainty hanging over Cesc Fabregas possibly calming down since the revelations that Barcelona are struggling to pay players wages we look set to renew battles in the vital middle third with the same group of players that last season coped admirably but crucially, fell away come seasons end. Some fresh blood, or even an injury free campaign for Theo Walcott and Carlos Vela and a successful recuperation period for Aaron Ramsey will give Wenger an insight as to whether or not he needs to pull a rabbit from the hat next summer. But most importantly it might be time for Abou Diaby and Denilson to finally do the business or get off the pot. No more excuses.

Much has been said of Samir Nasri and Walcott's failure to make their respective countries World Cup squads. Hindsight they say is 20:20 and considering how their respective squads failed miserably on the grandest stage should give them both some hope that they can force their way back into international football. No better place to start than at Anfield on the opening game of the season.

Moraine Chamakhs arrival at the club has almost been forgotten since he was pictured wearing his Arsenal shirt. He looked good in the champions league playing with Marseille and providing competition for default starting positions when our inevitable injuries mount up should help to get the best out of a competitive Bendtner.

All in all I think Wenger can reasonably claim to have strengthened our squad over the summer. Whether or not the additions are enough to get us over the finish line in first place only time will tell. When the chips are down next April are we are facing a must win game will our additions thrive or will they go the way of some of our squad players and keep the head down in the hope that no one notices they don't have the stomach for a fight.

Craig Eastmond was possibly the surprise break through player of last season, I am hoping that Henri Lansbury will do the same next season. In his end of season cameo roles he looked sharp and interested with a good appetite for work and a good eye for smart crisp passing. The two players who most recently came through with similar attributes were Fabregas and Denilson. I wonder if he'll learn from his predecessors.

Finally there has also been speculation linking Eduardo with a move away from the Emirates. It must be heartbreaking for a player who clearly had what it takes to strive at a big club to have his dream grabbed away in such a literally painful fashion. Mental strength however is a vital component of any player and should Eduardo stay at the club he will have to roll up the sleeves. Unfortunately all the good will in the world and sympathy from the terraces doesn't change reality. It is what it is.

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