With the departure of Thierry Henry and Freddie Ljungberg, Arsenal's lack of experience looks ominous. But is the future looking so gloomy?

Firstly, there's the Emirates Stadium itself. The ground puts the club in the global league and will enhance the Gunners' revenue and status.

There has also been more talk of a takeover bid. Although some Arsenal fans think such a development would take away the 'family feel' Arsenal has always had, I believe it will be for the best. Nearly every club in the Premiership is slowly being taken over by a billionaire and if Arsenal don't jump on the bandwagon, they will get left behind. Stan Kroenke seems to be the prime candidate. If he is anything like the Glaziers have turned out to be at Manchester United (surprisingly non-interfering), then Arsenal will be better off for seasons to come.

'The problem isn't playing the big teams, Arsenal did extremely well against the big three last season with 11 points from 18, an excellent reward'


Meanwhile, he squad have become a year older and stronger. Aside from Bacary Sagna and Eduardo Da Silva, the team is the same and we can expect more of the free-flowing football we have been missing over the past year or two.

The problem isn't playing the big teams. Arsenal did extremely well against the big three last season with 11 points from 18, an excellent reward. And only a last-gasp wonder goal from Michael Essien stole three points away in the game at Chelsea. But it was against the lesser teams Arsenal struggled and this season silly mistakes will be rectified.

As for Cesc Fabregas, he just keeps getting better. It is scary to think he is only 20. If he was English, he would have been a much bigger sensation than Wayne Rooney.

And Robin van Persie, who netted 11 goals in 17 starts and was constantly dogged by injury all season, is definitely be in with a chance of becoming  the Premiership top scorer. Arsene Wenger described him as a cross between Henry and Dennis Bergkamp - not a bad duo to be compared with.

But the coming season is both exciting and worrying as the most important Arsenal signing has yet to be made - and that is Wenger himself. This is his contract-winning season and you feel that if all looks good by January,  Arsene will sign a new deal and take these young players to an even higher level.