Gunners squad kitted out for success: from left, Tomas Rosicky, Nacho Monreal, Santi Cazorla, Danny Welbeck and Hector Bellerin. Picture: Arsenal Football Club 

Published: 18 June, 2015
by STEVE BARNETT

HECTOR Bellerin is calling on Arsenal to prove their title credentials by making an “aggressive” start to the Premier League season. 

The countdown for the new campaign officially got under way on Wednesday when the fixtures were announced, handing the Gunners an afternoon kick-off against West Ham at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday August 8. 

Arsene Wenger’s side will then stay in the capital to play Crystal Palace away the following weekend, before completing the opening month with a home game against Liverpool and a trip to St James Park to face Newcastle. 

Bellerin is confident that the team will pick up from where they left off last season as they seek to mount a sustained challenge, and says everyone at the club is ready to “fight for the title”. 

“We are all really excited, especially after the way we finished last year by winning the FA Cup,” he told Arsenal Player. “It was such a big boost for us. 

“We didn’t do that great at the beginning of last season but we showed by the end how we can perform, that we have great players and we were really doing well as a team. So we just need to keep that momentum up for the new season and start on the right foot. 

“It will be really important to start strong, to let people know that we have the same way of playing as last season and can get the same results. We want people to know that we will be aggressive and that we are coming to fight for the title.” 

Even though the Gunners have yet to make any new signings so far this summer – the club will boast more firepower next season, according to Danny Welbeck. 

Speaking at the launch of Arsenal’s new Puma home shirt on Tuesday the England international said he is ready to hit new heights, no matter where Wenger asks him to play. 

“Competition is healthy as it gives the manager a selection headache, which is the best for the team to drive us forward and keep improving,” Welbeck said. “With the selection of players the manager has got he can use people in different styles and positions, which is only going to help the squad. 

“I’m sure that when anyone is called upon, they are going to give 100 per cent to try to stay in the team for the next game. 

“Wherever you play on the pitch, whether it be the left, on the right or down the middle, you are going to give your best. 

“I know I definitely have more levels to go to, and I am really looking forward to doing that next season.” 

Meanwhile excited Arsenal fans are struggling not to get carried away by the news that bookies have suspended betting on Petr Cech joining the club. 

Chelsea were hoping that their highly-rated goalkeeper would move abroad but Cech, 33, has made it clear that his family are settled in London. 

Blues boss Jose Mourinho was reportedly keen to at least take an Arsenal player in return as part of any deal, possibly Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

But with the Gunners quickly ruling out any trade, negotiations are now focusing on an £11million fee.