Arsenal can mount a title bid says Lukas Podolski as the future of Robin van Persie remains uncertain

If Arsenal are not to slip back to being also-rans again next season, then they will have to tighten up a defence which leaked 49 Premier League goals last term - some 20 more than champions Manchester City.

Laurent Koscielny found himself playing alongside several different central partners last season after injuries again took their toll at the back.

The France defender, 26, recently penned a new long-term deal and intends to do all he can to make the Gunners rearguard a secure unit.

"Now I know the Premier League - I am more mature and more physical," Koscielny said.

"You know I like to be tactical and technical in my position, but I have worked hard to be fitter and stronger.

"Now I want to continue my progression with this club.

"I know I played a good season last year, but I want to do more for Arsenal this year. I want to win a trophy."

New Holland coach Louis van Gaal revealed Van Persie had no issue with being asked to play back-up to Klaas-Jan Huntelaar in his future plans for the national team.

Speaking ahead of the friendly against Belgium, Van Gaal told reporters, as quoted by De Telegraaf: "I had a fantastic conversation with Robin. I had to tell him that his situation has changed and that I prefer Huntelaar for now.

"It was a great talk not just about football, but also about life in general.

"I was pleasantly surprised. This was probably one of the best conversations I have ever had with a player.

"It is pretty rare to have such a good talk with a player.

"I told him that the best player plays, but that his situation can quickly change.

"I am confident that there will be a moment where he pulls us through."

Van Gaal added he would happily offer advice on his club situation to Van Persie should he seek it.

"I think the player always has to decide for himself," he said.

"When he wants he can ask me for advice, but then I will speak to him, not to you."

Arsenal duo Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (ankle) and Theo Walcott (thigh) both pulled out of England's game against Italy in Berne with injuries, which could see them doubtful for Saturday's Premier League opener against Sunderland at Emirates Stadium.

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Will Arsenal mount a Challenge next season?

The new Premiership season is likely to bring a number of surprises, both to supporters and to gamblers, but one thing that seems eminently predictable is that Arsenal will continue to fall behind their competitors in the Premier League unless they spend some money in the summer. Of course these two issues are inextricably linked, as it is clear that the club has not replaced vital players from the glory days – such as Patrick Vieira and Thierry Henry – with players of comparable quality; but this leaves fans wondering why Arsene Wenger appears so reluctant to spend.

Of course it could be argued, probably quite rightly, that too much money is spent in the Premier League – but no one could realistically accuse Arsenal of that. The club is in a healthier financial position than most of the other top clubs, but the price that they are paying for this is on the field success. One argument that has been put forward to explain Wenger’s reluctance to spend is his desire to bring through young players, so that he can mould their development every step of the way; but the problem with this is that, in order to get the best from young players, they arguably need to be balanced with experience – which is where Arsenal have been found lacking over the past seven years.

A manager of Wenger’s quality and intelligence can scarcely fail to be aware of the need to balance youth and experience however – not least because it was that balance that marked his great Arsenal teams. Therefore, many have searched for alternative explanations; with one being that he is covering for the unwillingness of the board to make money available. If this is true, it would represent a first in the history of football – making it doubtful for many observers. The expected loss of Robin Van Persie – on the grounds of the club’s lack of ambition – may at last prove the catalyst for a change of transfer policy at Arsenal. The worry around RVP seems to have created some sort of buzz as the additions of Giroud and Podolski seemed to show a real statement of intent of goals goals goals. If only they could grab Yann M’Vila from Rennes Arsenal really would be a potent threat next season.

Tags: Arsenal, Arsenal gossip, Arsenal news, Arsene Wenger, chellenge, featured, Lukas Podolski, Olivier Giroud, Patrick Vieira, Thierry Henry

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