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Usmanov: Arsenal just one man short

The overall quality of player has improved significantly over the last couple of years, since the signing of Mesut Ozil, and the depth of squad has left the midfielder excited ahead of the new season.

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A troublesome rival who had inflicted several painful defeats on Arsene Wenger’s side had finally been put in their place by the FA Cup holders with a vibrant display that bore the hallmark of potential champions. Everyone is on their toes.

After a comfortable 2-0 victory over Tottenham in which Jese and Isco impressed Benitez addressed the prospect of departures from the Bernabeu, warning he had no intention of losing his best players. If they can replace Mertesacker they will have a very good chance, because he is a liability with and without the ball. He felt that speculation over his future caused an unnecessary distraction when his deal ran into its final year in 2013-14 and may look to do avoid a repeat of that situation.

“I think it’s the other way around”, the goalkeeper told Arsenal’s official website. In 2013-14 they were involved in a four-way title challenge well into March before falling away, while last season was the complete opposite as their title hopes were over long before Christmas before they went on a superb run in the second half of the campaign.

His brother and agent, Nicolas Higuain, said: “I don’t think we’ll accept the president’s offer, because the contract isn’t that different to the one we signed before”.

Bellerin made an impressive breakthrough into the first team last year, and was rewarded by finishing the season as the club’s first choice right-back, picking up an FA Cup winners medal in the process.

“You have to get off to a good start and then you have to keep the momentum going”.

“I could sit here all day saying what we will and won’t do this year but at the end of the day talking wins you nothing”.

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“I’ve set myself that target this year on a personal level so every time I’m on the pitch it’s important that I try and contribute in some way and a goal or an assist is what I need to do”.

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