One of the biggest transfer sagas in recent seasons has ended: Cesc Fabregas has been sold to Barcelona.
Arsenal can now start a new era sans their former captain, but how this season unfolds for them could depend on the two legs of their UEFA Champions League tie against Serie A team Udinese.
Progress, and Arsenal retain their status amongst the European elite, but should they be eliminated, talk of a decline would suddenly become commonplace.
Arsenal still have some fine players.
Robin van Persie and Jack Wilshere are fine assets to the club, while Samir Nasri would be too if he elects to stay at Emirates Stadium.
However, van Persie and Nasri are suspended for tonight’s game, while Wilshere is still to recover from his injury.
Even Arsene Wenger is suspended from the match, and will have to watch from the stands.
Udinese have also sold this summer – three of their very best players.
Like Fabregas, Alexis Sanchez has moved to Barcelona, while Cristian Zapata and Gokhan Inler have departed for Villarreal and Napoli respectively.
Should Arsenal come through the two matches against Udinese, and bring in a couple of top class players, they could again confound their critics and challenge for the Premier League title.
If not, who knows what will become of Arsenal?
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