Arsenal vs Cologne preview plus M’Villa and other transfer news

Today’s last pre-season match against FC Cologne will be a good barometer to where we are the start of the season. Last August, we did not have the best of pre-season campaigns with the failure to retain the Emirates Cup and lack of preparedness showed in the first weeks of the new season with that disastrous run of games. Similar to last season, we are also face with some injury problems with three established first teamers in Sagna, Wilshere and Rosicky all missing until probably September at the earliest.
However, the one thing that has changed from last season is atmosphere of optimism in the squad and among the fans. Last year, we were still facing an uncertain future with the transfer of Nasri and Fabregas dragging on and the reluctance of Arsene Wenger to bring in reinforcements. This time around, the Boss has learnt his lesson well and ...