Arsenal legend insists Gunners can still challenge for title without star duo

Arsenal legend Nigel Winterburn believes Arsenal can still mount a serious title challenge without the services of want-away duo Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri.

It seems as though Fabregas is finally on his way back to Barcelona this summer, while contract rebel Nasri looks highly likely to be sold to Manchester City within the next few days.

This of course has left many Arsenal fans fearing the worse this season. A number of Gooners (including myself) believe that the club will be left behind without their star duo, unless immediate replacements are brought in. However, Winterburn, who made over 400 appearances for the north London club, reckons, with of course the right replacements, that the Gunners could still mount a title challenge.

The former Arsenal left-back recently told talkSPORT:

‘If you lose Fabregas and then you lose Nasri, you are really weakening your team. But you have to be positive and, as long as you can bring two players in who can complement the team, then hopefully Arsenal should be in a position where they can challenge into the top four.’

‘I always say if you get in the top four to challenge then there becomes a point in the season where you can challenge for the title. That’s what Arsenal have to do – make sure they are in that top four and then they are in with a chance.’

Whilst a majority of Arsenal fans are still waiting for a big-name signing to arrive, Winterburn insists that this will not guarantee the club instant success:

‘A big signing doesn’t mean you are going to be successful. Manchester United have made big signings that haven’t worked but they’ve also brought in relatively unknown players that have worked very well for them.’

‘You’ve got to bring in the right type of player. I’m confident that before the end of this transfer window Arsenal will make some major signings. Whether they’re big enough for the supporters [I don’t know].’

I couldn’t agree more with Nigel.

If we do sell both Nasri and Fabregas – which looks highly likely despite Arsene Wenger’s recent comments about the duo – and the club don’t manage to replace them, then without a doubt it will be a tough season ahead for us.

However, if Arsene Wenger can acquire suitable replacements, which could preferably slot into the side without too much hassle – then I believe we will have a chance this season.

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