I'm optimistic and very much looking forward to our new season at Arsenal, but why do I think we have cause for optimism? Well let me tell you.

Nasri, Walcott, Fabregas, Arshavin, Van Persie all playing in the same team - I'm positively drooling at that thought already. The Arshavin, Nasri, Fabregas axis gives us something few other Premiership teams have, namely massive skills, speed of thought, the ability to interchange, killer balls and goalscoring from midfield. Arshavin also gives us a real leader on the pitch, one already respected by the entire squad and crowd. Hence we'll see a whole load of pressure taken off Cesc. So it's largely a question of the balance required to place around this group of stars.

Sagna, Gibbs, Song and Almunia are now strong effective players waiting to join our above mentioned fab five. They will in my opinion be ready, willing, enthusiastic and more than able. They can also be considered reliable cogs in the wheel now.

If, and granted it is still a seriously big if, Eduardo and Rosicky could get themselves fit then that would be a major added bonus. But what a bonus, you really don't always know who you'll miss till they're gone. And we've sure as hell missed these two.

Denilson, Diaby, Vela, Ramsey, Wilshere, Djourou and Bendtner are all bubbling under with tons of promise, youthful enthusiasm and loads of ability. The degree of promise varies, they all have yet to really prove themselves and the fans are not at all unanimous about any of them. Other than Jack Wilshere whom we simply can't agree if he'll be the next Liam Brady or more, as Bouldie suggests, of a Lionel Messi. And yes I know we want a lot more than mere promise next season but they are all so very close. So much so that I feel confident that one of them at the very least is bound to come through with that little bit extra and make it big time, just as Song broke through last season. They all know they will get a chance, all they have to do is grab that chance by the scruff of the neck when it comes. I don't think they will all make it big time by any means, but any of them might.

If there are doubts, and indeed certainly rumours, then these surround Gallas, Clichy, Adebayor, Eboue, Silvestre and Toure. Given the right attitude any of these could remain as quality assets, but not legendary assets in an Adams or Bergkamp sort of way. I suspect that at least three of these six players will go, maybe more, but only if Le Boss can find the right replacements. I'd like to keep both Toure and Clichy, but not necessarily as first team regulars.

All of these six players have qualities, but possibly all are also only nearly but not quite top notch. Gallas has the class but not the authority. If he were to go it would also be a large chunk off our wages bill. Gael Clichy, whom I love to bits, has the engine, gives his all every time he plays and is very nearly world class - but there always seems to be that small 'but' about his defensive abilities. So if Clichy is in demand at a big price we already have the youngster/man in place to step into his shoes. Gibbs, in my opinion, is actually better going forward and is obviously a very quick learner. A second season at left back, young though he still is, could even see him threatening Cashley for the England job.

Adebayor is very capable and a threat to opponents, despite his exceedingly one-footed play and his inability to remain onside. His problem is one of attitude and effort. He too would release a large chunk of wages if we were to cash in but I just can't see anyone else risking such a huge wad on him. Eboue wants regular first team football and I'm quite happy for him to get some, but elsewhere. Silvestre was a stop-gap player, that gap has now been stopped by Alex Song and for my money Silvestre is inferior to Senderos - so why keep him? As for Kolo Toure, well he's been a great Arsenal man, a gentleman and a fine player but not the domineering centre back we so obviously require. I'd love him to stay.... though if an offer was good, then we should take it... but only if his replacement is obviously superior.

The returning Traore, Simpson, and Senderos could either be regarded as solid squad additions or money in the bank to spend on bigger fry. I can't see any of them commandeering a regular first team slot so believe we should cash in if we can.

Barazite, Emmanuel-Thomas, Coquelin, Randall, Lansbury, Merida, Watt, Sunu, Ayling and Bartley are all up for the League Cup and progressing well. They need more time to progress so should be given it.

So with a core squad already in place all Arsenal need do is get Eduardo and Rosicky fully fit and back on form. Then Arsene just needs to find an Essien, Petit or a Vieira for about £5m, a couple of defenders like Vidic or Adams for about £3m each, steal another unknown giant battering-ram type goalscoring genius and pay for them all with Adebayor. Piece of p*ss... anyone who regularly plays any of the Football Manager type games could quite easily achieve this in just a few hours. Therefore quite clearly this will happen and in 2009-10 we'll walk the league and destroy Europe. No worries. The glass isn't half full - it's positively overflowing.

Ok. So perhaps that last paragraph is just a tad tongue in cheek - but would you bet against Wenger achieving just that if he's finally given some serious funding?

The future is bright and the future is clearly red and white. Or is it that I just hope it is?