Arsenal – How Long Can This Transition Last?

bigged up the red half of Manchester for handling a transitional season, now I look to their North London, one time title rivals, who are in the 7th year of theirs. Final League Position: 3rd Well when you consider at one point this season they lost 8-2 to Man United, finishing 3rd isn€™t at all bad. However Arsenal fans, once they get over the fact that they went from losing their two best players, the bottom three up in to third and another season of Champions League football, must begin to ask; how long can this squad transition go on for? Realistically, a title push was never on the cards this year after the loss of Nasri, who left for the money and got it and a nice shiny medal to put in his room of crowns and buried treasure, and Fabregas, who left for Barcelona, his home, medals, glory and no disappointment and got...Well at least Barcelona is lovely this time of year. Also a rather pig headed summer from Arsene Wenger saw no real additions to the squad who seriously needed freshening up, however the difficult circumstances of the seasons beginning and the desperation being held makes this look like a rather good result. It is, but it must be improved upon before more questions begin to be asked. Keeping Van Persie is an absolute must as that will prove they can still hold on to big names and will bring more to them, if they lose him then it may be another desperate few months for Arsenal next year as they try to find goals out of a forward line boasting the likes of Marouane Chamakh...Harrowing. They can be impressed with how this year has gone, and the fact they finished better than they did last year is also encouraging, however the fact remains they were a long way away from the title, far away from European glory and just as far away from any kind of domestic trophy. Things need to change if we aren€™t here next season saying more of €˜Well it was just a transitional year€™, it€™s been at that stage for 7 years now. Arsenal need to move on. Summer Transfer Targets: The signing of Podolski is an encouraging one, a big game experienced striker ready to take the goal scoring burden from Van Persie. Their main aim must be to keep a hold of Van Persie, that is obvious enough. A more athletic centre back and more consistent left back are also musts. Gibbs has potential but is too injury prone and someone who can take the lone man running style of Thomas Vermaelen would also be crucial. As for midfield, the return of Jack Wilshere along with Arteta and an ever improving Song will mean little addition is needed in that respect. Next Seasons Goal: Qualify for the Champions League again, hopefully get a little closer to the top two, but Wenger must try to take the cup competitions a little more seriously. Throwing everything at the Carling Cup and FA Cup, hopefully getting his young team a medal to hold on to, will help settle any nerves and push them on further. Tomorrow: Tottenham €“ A disappointing end must not mar what has been a successful season.