Even given that pessimism appears to be the natural state of most football fans I’ve had more than enough of all the negativity surrounding Arsenal during the close season. Right now I’m feeling rather positive about our forthcoming campaign and my reasoning, in no particular order, is as follows:

Fabregas - Is already a world class player whom many top clubs crave. He will still continue to improve and astound. I’m also expecting him to act like a captain this season whether or not he actually gets to wear the armband he so obviously deserves. It would be pleasing to see him getting forward more often, as he was able to do in Euro 08, but wherever he plays he’ll be brilliant.

Van Persie - Forget the injury what-ifs. He’ll be up for it and is capable of shredding any defence in the world as well as scoring the sort of goals that cause our jaws to drop. The Euro competition during the summer did us a big favour with Robin. He clearly has what it takes and then some, with his right foot now acting as a sort of secret weapon.

Manuel Almunia - I believe he will comfortably grow into the role of our number one keeper. He’ll certainly not be suffering from Jens’ negative vibes in either training or on match-days. So in consequence he will be enjoying his football far more, which could make all the difference for both himself and us. He’s obviously a strong character as he showed by standing up to Lehmann. His mental strength will clearly assist our defensive frailties, such as they are perceived.

Bacary Sagna - We all know how good he is and if he’s recovered to full fitness he is going to play a major role without the necessity of bedding in this season. He could well turn out to be our club’s best ever right back, and if you think I’m exaggerating just compare him to all the previous incumbents.

William Gallas - I am hoping he will feel he owes our team and the fans big time and will act accordingly, especially on the pitch. He’s also nearing the end of his career and like all old-timers will be desperate to win a final trophy or two.

Gael Clichy - Will be seriously disappointed at missing out on Euro 08. So he will have a point to prove and I reckon he will prove it. He, like others in our squad, is well capable of claiming a berth in the all-star Premiership XI this season and I believe he can do so.

Kolo Toure - He’s a rock and will remain a rock, he’s also now in his 8th season at the Club and as such is a well established Gooner. As our senior squad player he can and will assist in the leadership issues. He also won’t be required for the African Nations Cup this season, which should be regarded as an added bonus.

Philippe Senderos - Whenever he’s had a decent run in the side he’s looked the part after a few games. Ok, so he’s not a first choice centre back, but look around the Premiership and ask yourself how much worse off we could be with some of the planks who hold down a regular slot in defence in other teams.

Tomas Rosicky - We missed him big time without probably realising it, we missed his ability to shoot, we missed his interplay with Hleb and others. The only thing we didn’t miss was his naff haircut. If and when he gets fit enough to play again he’ll be raring to go and could develop into a player as effective for us as Freddie was at his peak. Tomas could prove to be the unexpected bonus we’d all sort of forgotten about, as you tend to do with players who miss over half a season. Another plus will be that if Tom and others impress there will be no automatic first team slot available for Eboue.

Eduardo - If he can get fully fit as anticipated and mentally attuned, as I believe he will, I expect him to reach cult status this season. We know he has what it takes and will all be willing him on to prove it, which will only aid his comeback.

Nicklas Brentner - Unfairly treated by many Gooners who seem to forget how young he is. He can blossom this season because he clearly has the strength and ability. A long-term prospect whose time will come, if not immediately.

Carlos Vela - I haven’t a clue how he’ll settle in England of course, but he’s obviously a bit tasty. The bonus is that we have enough midfield players and forwards available for him to take his time figuring out the pace of the Premiership. The competition will do both him and those he’s competing with for a place a power of good.

Theo Walcott - Unlike some I’ve always had faith in the lad and think he’ll come well and truly to the fore this season. He has the determination and is beginning to acquire the steel to match it. His pace will kill defenders wherever he plays and his refusal to hit the deck, Eboue style, even when clipped at pace will see us score goals we really shouldn’t. Think Milan away. Theo’s low centre of gravity makes it hard to knock him off the ball and that will only become more difficult for defenders as he matures, gets more savvy and becomes both mentally and physically stronger.

Aaron Ramsey - You can tell he’s intelligent by the way he plays but I doubt it’ll happen for him this season. That said, because he is intelligent, he’ll be learning loads from Cesc just by watching and training with him. If he’s as good as I suspect him to be he’ll just love stepping up a couple of classes to play with quality players and will be itching to show what he can do. He may even make it earlier than many predict.

Eboue - If, and it’s a big if, he could bag some goals we could yet learn to like him. But being realistic whilst remaining positive I just don’t see him playing anywhere nearly as often this season, so long as Sagna remains fit. And he could still be useful in midfield for some potentially tight away games where we need a little more power ahead of quality.

Emmanuel Adebayor - If he’s still with us he’ll have to eat some extremely large portions of humble pie, which would do him no harm whatsoever. Humility might well improve his game and we already know what he can provide for us. If he’s with us he’d have to start again with the fans and prove himself again, which could well work to the team’s advantage. If he’s not with us we just need to recall that after a similar short stay by a similarly ungrateful git, Wenger replaced Anelka with Henry.

Johan Djourou - It’s a make or break season for someone who looks nothing like a Johan. If he’s determined enough he’ll get there and improve our squad options, maybe even in a couple of positions. If he doesn’t we’ve not lost anything in squad depth.

Abou Diaby - He has the skill, he has the shot, he has the strength and he can go past people. If he can put all that together on a regular basis we have another potential match winner in the side. With Gilberto gone we’ll need the height he can provide.

Denilson - If he’s put his injuries behind him he has enough grit and skill to be more than a positive asset. If he breaks through this season it will be a bonus, if he doesn’t we’ve not lost anything. Anyone who enjoys shooting from range like Denislon so clearly does is fine by me.