Wojciech Szczesny has admitted that Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri would be “big losses” for Arsenal but is confident Arsene Wenger‘s team can use the experience of last season to win the Premier League.
The goalkeeper’s optimism is unaffected by the uncertainty surrounding the future of skipper Fabregas, who took no part in the Emirates Cup over the weekend.
Szczesny said: “I don’t pay attention to that and I don’t think the players in the dressing room do, so it doesn’t distract us, no, not at all. He is our captain, he is still our captain and hopefully he will remain our captain.
“I haven’t thought about what it would be like if he left. For me, they Fabregas and Samir Nasri are both still players of Arsenal. They would be a big loss because they are two great players but they are still at Arsenal.”
The air of gloom that has hung over the club since their dismal end to last season has continued during the summer and there were few signs of it being punctured during the two-day Emirates Cup.
Arsenal were booed by a section of the sell-out 60,011 crowd at the final whistle on Sunday after failing to hold on to a one-goal lead against New York Red Bulls.
Twenty-four hours earlier, the Gunners had surrendered a two-goal lead against Boca Juniors as the faults that were so apparent last season were again conspicuous in the course of the two draws.
However, Szczesny believes another fortnight of preparation will iron out the flaws before the August 13 curtain raiser at St James’ Park against Newcastle United.
“It is disappointing that we did not hold on to the leads,” said the Pole. “We should have seen the games out and ended up winning them, but then again they were only friendly games and we believe that on August 13 we will do better, I’m confident of that.
“We have had a good pre-season so far. You have see today that we are nearly there but there is still big room for improvement. If we keep it going hopefully we will step up one level this season and use the experience of last season to hopefully win the Premier League.”
Arsenal’s chances of lifting the title have been written off by most pundits, who regard a Champions League place as a more realistic ambition.
Szczesny disagrees. “I see it that we are Arsenal Football Club and should do our best to win the Premier League, not fight for a top four place. I believe we have the quality to win the Premier League. If the boss decides to add one or two players then fair enough but I believe the team we have is good enough to win the Premier League.”
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Wojciech Szczesny: Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri would be big losses for Arsenal