Much of Arsenal’s build-up to this season were filled with questions about their transfer policies, ins-and-outs, player contract situations. With the transfer window, just 2 weeks away from being shut; it looks that for now, there will be no more influx and outflow of players from the club.

With that being said, let’s assess the realistic targets Wenger can set for his side in the upcoming season.

Premier League:

Predicted finish: Top 4

Talk about the most clichéd number, to begin with. Arsenal ended the last season falling just short of their accustomed position and face the prospect of Thursday night football at the Emirates. This does not bode well with the Gunners as they now face a packed season, as the Europa League has more number of games to be played across the course of the season than the Champions League.

Do they possess the squad depth to tackle the tight fixture list?
Sadly, no. Another major hurdle they might face is the fitness of their players. They must keep their main men fit, and rotate the team as and when required with efficiency to ensure maximum gains.
If they manage to sneak into the top 4 come the end of the season, their league campaign can be termed a success.

Europa League:

Predicted finish: Winners

Arsene Wenger ridiculed a question asked to him in a pre-season interview that asked if he would consider the Europa League route to Champions League football next season, terming that entering the premier competition through the Premier League is the ultimate motive.
While it may be good to hear his determination to succeed in the league, the other route stands a far better chance if overall success in the season is taken into consideration.

Winning the Europa League adds silverware to his credentials; something Arsenal desperately need to hold onto their stars.
If they do give it a serious shot, they can definitely win the tournament. If Manchester United did it, why not Arsenal?

FA Cup:

Predicted finish: Semi-Finals

Arsenal triumphed in the FA Cup last season, overtaking Manchester United’s haul of the trophy to be the most successful team in the competition. They have had considerable success in the competition of late, and one may expect them to prioritize the competition in the next season.

But such a packed fixture list will only go against them in the long run. So while Wenger might use this tournament to experiment with youth, I don’t think he would realistically prioritize this tournament if he has the league as a priority.

Capital One Cup:

Predicted finish: Quarter-finals

Affectionately termed as the Mickey-Mouse cup by fans; this tournament holds the least significance for the top 6. Given its sarcastic nick-name and Arsenal’s anterior motives, Wenger might use the tournament as a springboard for young talent, or a basis for easing injured players into the main squad.

What do you think would be Arsenal’s realistic finish to the next season?