Arsene Wenger has suggested that he has full faith in his young squad currently plying their trade at Arsenal, and feels that the bond between the crop of talents is a unique asset the club possess, as they enter the new Barclays Premier League season.

The Gunners have not had the rub of the green in terms of signings, and the supporters are growing increasingly frustrated at the lack of activity in the market. In the past few seasons, the club had maintained a conservative approach to the market, not ready to spend over and above the line. However, the start of this summer saw the club chief executive Ivan Gazidis inform the supporters that a big transfer kitty had been prepared to ensure Wenger is successful in signing players whom he believed in rather than players who he had to make do because of the budget.

Arsenal have been linked with various players, especially attackers this summer, but have lost out on a number of their prime targets. Former Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Higuain was closely linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium, with his family suggesting a move on the cards. But this was until Napoli came into the picture, giving Higuain an offer he could not refuse. Wages are always a threat to any deal, but Napoli’s sale of Edinson Cavani to Paris Saint Germain ensured availability of excess cash for a big wage bill, which ultimately lured Higuain to Italy.

Another target lost by the Gunners was former Fiorentina striker Stevan Jovetic, who was signed by Manchester City for a reported fee of £25 million. This figure is not out of reach for Arsenal, as they recently lodged a £40 million bid for Liverpool striker Luis Suarez. With the financial muscle available to City, it is evident wages proved to be decisive in Jovetic declining a move to London.

According to the Metro, Wenger believes it is vital that they have not sold any of their existing players, like in the case of the past few seasons.

Wenger said, “We are still working on improving our squad, but we have a base of young players who get a chance here, who started in the Premier League, like (Wojciech) Szczesny, Jenkinson, (Alex Oxlade-)Chamberlain, (Jack) Wilshere, (Aaron) Ramsey, (Theo) Walcott – that is unique, nobody else has done that,”

“We have had a good pre-season and for the first time in recent seasons we have not lost any player.”

“Our target now is to transfer that confidence into the start of the new season and it is vital for us to have a good start.”