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The Gunners came close to winning their first league title since 2004 last season, amassing 84 points from 38 games to finish five points behind Manchester City.
Following the promising campaign, Arsenal have bolstered Mikel Arteta’s squad with the signings of England midfielder Declan Rice, Netherlands defender Jurrien Timber and former Chelsea star Kai Havertz.
The Gunners could strengthen Arteta’s squad further before the deadlines closes as they look to sign Brentford goalkeeper David Raya and consider a bid for Ajax star Mohammed Kudus.
Given Arsenal’s form last season and the transfer activity at the Emirates Stadium this summer, Wenger sees no reason why his former club cannot emerge as Premier League title contenders again next season.
Arteta’s side face Premier League champions Manchester City in the Community Shield final on Sunday before taking on Nottingham Forest in their opening league game on August 12.
‘I feel that Mikel is doing well, making the right decisions, and having an organised team who, for me, can now challenge for the championship,’ Wenger told Arsenal’s official website.
‘We did it last year, let’s get over the line this year. I’m confident because last year with eight games to go, I always felt we would do it.
‘We invested again a lot this year and strengthened the squad well, so overall I’m very happy with the three signings. We have all the tools to do well and to challenge for the championship.’
Wenger, who spent more than two decades as Arsenal manager, recently returned to the club to visit his new statue outside the stadium.
Asked how it feels to return to Arsenal, Wenger – who resigned in May 2018 – added: ‘It’s always very emotional because it’s like a film going through your head, you know?
‘It’s very difficult to select the emotions because you are flooded by many emotional situations that you experienced before – on that front, it’s not easy.
‘On the other hand, you are happy because you feel you are back home. Five years on I feel strongly attached and linked to the club.
‘The attachment is unbelievably strong and it’s funny because it’s Arsene and Arsenal – it looks like my destiny.
‘I’m less [stressed] but I still kick every ball. I look at the decisions made, the bad decisions and the good decisions as well, so the tension is still there, but it’s not comparable.
‘I think if I were here every week, I’d be much more tense, but when I come back once in a while, I want as well to enjoy it, to see friends and get a good taste of the atmosphere here.’
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