Szczesny believes Arsenal are getting better with or without van Persie

RVP (L) Szczesny (R)

Joining Szczesny at Arsenal already this summer are strikers Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud, while the Mail claims Arsene Wenger still hopes to sign Malaga’s Spanish international winger Santi Cazorla and Turkey playmaker Nuri Sahin, currently with Real Madrid.

Szczesny admitted he would be sad to see van Persie leave the Emirates Stadium but insisted that after the uncertainty last summer surrounded Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri, the current state of the club was much improved.

He added: “At the beginning for pre-season last year everyone was saying it was doom and gloom. No-one’s left the club at the moment. We have new signings, we’re stronger defensively and so we’re in a better position.”

Szczesny - who has been given the Arsenal No.1 shirt following the departure of Manuel Almunia - also insisted the Gunners’ defence would be stronger in the coming season, praising the work done by new assistant manager Steve Bould on plugging the leaks of last term.