Could Arsenal take advantage of managerial changes at top clubs?

Arsenal star Lukas Podolski believes that his team can compete with the top teams in the new campaign

Arsenal and Germany star Lukas Podolski believes that the Gunners can take advantage of their rivals change of management in the new campaign.

The top three teams from last season have all changed their bosses in a summer of major managerial shifts.

Hopeful

Podolski told the Sun: “The hope is that this season Arsenal will be at the top of the league. English football, thankfully, is not like Spain where you only have two teams – Barcelona and Real Madrid – who fight at the top,”

“In the Premier League, you have five, six, even seven top, top teams. It’s very difficult but I know that Arsenal are one of those top teams who will be involved

“You don’t know how the season will work out. A few of the other teams all have new managers, so it’s difficult to say. But they will be strong and equally, Arsenal will be strong.”

Changes

I think everybody is now aware of the managerial changes at the top of the Premier League, David Moyes moving to Manchester United, Manuel Pellegrini coming in at Manchester City and ‘the special one’ returning to Chelsea.

Effect

The effects of the changes will not be evident until the season starts, but Chelsea, City, and United are unlikely to become bad teams overnight. Chelsea and City have already improved their squads and are likely to continue their recruitment drives this summer.

Manchester United have yet to strengthen their squad, but the Red Devils will add players to their squad this summer. Their biggest target is believed to be Barcelona starlet Thiago Alcantara, who has a minimum release clause of around £15million in his contract.

Not ready

No matter what people say Arsenal are not in a position to take advantage of the changes at Old Trafford, the Etihad and Stamford Bridge. The Gunners have not yet strengthened their squad this summer.

Last season Arsenal again scraped into the Champions League, but their qualification went down to the last day of the season. Their performance last season proved that Arsenal need to strengthen this summer to keep up with the competition.

Close

The Gunners are believed to be close to completing the signing of Real Madrid and Argentina striker Gonzalo Higuain. The striker will add an extra dimension to the Gunners attack. Arsenal lacked striking options last season and Higuain would be a good option.

Olivier Giroud did not have a bad first season in English football, but he is the only out-and-out striking option available to the Gunners. Higuain will be a fantastic addition to the Gunners team. He will give Arsenal that cutting edge in front of goal.

The Argentina has been prolific for Real Madrid in the last couple of seasons and will guarantee the Gunners goals next season. Arsenal creates a shed load of chances and play breathtaking football at times.

However, sometimes all their good work is wasted by missed opportunities. Higuain is far more clinical in front of goal than the likes of Gervinho and Giroud, so the Gunners should score more goals next season.

More needed

Arsenal definitely needs to add more quality to their squad this summer, not just to finish higher in the table, but to stay competitive with their rivals. The same problems remain in the Gunners team. They lack a strong midfield enforcer in the vein of Patrick Vieira.

The Gunners have been linked with a £22million bid for Everton midfielder Marouane Fellaini. However, it seems the north London club are not prepared to meet the Belgium midfielders’ minimum fee release clause.

Spend

Arsenal has money to spend, according to the Gunners hierarchy anyway. To challenge at the very top next season the Gunners need to start spending some cash, or they will be left behind. Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger does not like to spend, but now is the time to spend and improve his squad.

Unlikely

It seems that it is unlikely that Arsenal will challenge for the Premier League title next season. It will take a lot of signings and money spent to bring the Gunners up to the standards of the likes of Chelsea, Manchester City, and Manchester United, despite the changes of management at the top three.

Will Arsenal challenge for the title next season?