Arsenal Transfers: 5 Summer Signings To Become Title Contenders

In the last week there has been more talk about Arsenal than we're accustomed to hearing so early in the summer transfer window. This morning reports emerged that chief executive Ivan Gazidis had declared that the club, in the wake of a new sponsorship deal with Emirates, are "ready to escalate their financial firepower", even hinting that Arsenal could be prepared to break their existing £100k-a-week wage cap.

After eight years without a trophy and assertions that Arsenal's period of transition was the consequence of efforts to ensure a stable financial future it seems the club is ready to make good on their promises. Having lost Cesc Fabregas two years ago and Van Robin Persie last year, Arsenal's pre-season in 2013 will no doubt be helped by the fact that similar losses are unlikely. It's possible that Bacary Sagna may leave but he isn't the player he once was and is easily replaceable.

So here are five summer signings that could propel Arsenal to the status of title contenders next season. Each player has been linked to the club in some way, but will they actually happen? This fan certainly hopes so.