Feels longer doesn’t it? In fact, you would be entirely forgiven for thinking it had been months since Arsenal were last in action, securing that precious third place against a resilient West Bromwich Albion.
However just five weeks have passed since then, and despite the continuing excitement provided by Europe’s nations in Poland and Ukraine, it’s just not the same for us Gooners.
So casting the eye back over North London, exactly how has Arsenal’s summer faired so far?
Official Incomings: Lukas Podolski (FC Koln).
In terms of bringing players in, not many will feel disappointed with the start Arsenal have made this summer. And if there was anything Arsene Wenger could do to convince Robin Van Persie of the club’s intentions, then the signing of German hitman Lukas Podolski will surely do just that.
Securing the signature of Podolski as early as they have done too is a significant step in the right direction, especially compared to the late shopping spree of last summer.
On top of that though, the names of French internationals Olivier Giroud and Yann M’Vila are ones which may soon be very familiar to Arsenal fans as the Ligue 1 duo have been strongly linked with a move to North London this summer.
Both would be similarly large statements of intent by Arsene Wenger and would certainly suggest a shift in transfer policy, the type of which plenty of Arsenal fans have been crying out for. All three signings would only aid Arsenal in securing arguably the most important signature of the summer, that of a certain Mr. Van Persie.
Official Outgoings: Manuel Almunia (Released), Gavin Hoyte (Released), Rhys Murphy (Released), George Brislen-Hall (Released), Sean McDermott (Released), James Campbell (Released), Jeffrey Monakana (Released).
For plenty of Gooners, who Arsene Wenger gets rid of is regarded just as importantly as who Arsene Wenger brings in during the course of this summer.
But for a club such as Arsenal who regularly award players well-paying contracts, this process can be rather more easily be said than done.
So far Spaniard Manuel Almunia has been the first to be shown the door along with a handful of youth players, but with the likes of Denilson, Bendtner, Squillaci, Arshavin, Vela and Ju Young Park amongst others still on the books, it will prove to be a tedious task to shift the dead wood.
Those who follow the rumour mill with attentive eyes will be aware that Ligue 1 outfit Bastia have shown interest in taking on Sebastien Squillaci, and both Andrey Arshavin and Denilson have also expressed desires to stay in their natives countries.
But whether the faction of Ashburton Grove’s forgotten men can secure moves away is something which remains to be seen.
Jay James Waller
@JayJamesWaller
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