Rosicky - Stronger despite sales

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Tomas Rosicky has claimed that Arsenal will be stronger this season despite the sales of Emmanuel Adebayor and Kolo Toure, with the Czech midfielder intriguingly adding that the Gunners have kept hold of their 'best players'.

Fears have been raised over Arsenal's ambition in recent weeks following the departures of striker Adebayor and defender Toure to Manchester City - the club that is the most apparent threat to the Gunners' hopes of ensuring another top-four finish.

But pre-season signs have been so far encouraging for Arsene Wenger with Eduardo joining Rosicky, who had been sidelined for 18 months, back in the first team, and the squad winning the Emirates Cup following an emphatic and stylish victory over Rangers on Sunday.

Rosicky has dismissed suggestions that the loss of Adebayor will have a negative impact on the team and, with a wealth of attacking options seemingly at Wenger's disposal, the 28-year-old feels the North Londoners are in fact better placed to land their first piece of silverware since 2005.

Options

"I don't think that the best players left," said Rosicky. "There is still [Andrey] Arshavin, there is still [Cesc] Fabregas, we still have great players so I don't see it in this way.

"Of course we lost two very good players, there is no doubt about it, with Kolo and Ade, but anyway even if Adebayor left we have so many options up front and are scoring goals and creating chances.

"I don't think we have got a big, serious problem in the offensive part of our game."

Wenger has been linked with moves for Bordeaux striker Marouane Chamakh and Real Madrid's Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, but Rosicky added: "If the boss decides to buy somebody it will be good, there will be one option more, but I think even if he doesn't buy we have plenty of options.

"That is why I think we can be stronger than last season because we will have more options than last season. It will be interesting.

"I don't know why we should be afraid of anyone. I see the offensive potential we have got and I think we have just got to focus on us."

Reception

Saturday's 2-1 victory over Atletico Madrid in the Emirates Cup saw Rosicky make his first appearance at the stadium for 18 months having finally ended his prolonged battle to regain fitness following persistent hamstring and knee injuries.

The Czech Republic international has been sorely missed by the club and, after getting a rousing reception from the massed ranks of Arsenal fans, is keen to return to first team duties on a long-term basis.

"It is a great feeling to be back and to play again at this stadium because it was too long," Rosicky added.

"Of course it was frustrating but I don't want to talk about this anymore. I am back and that is the most important thing.

"The reception for me was great and of course I enjoy it."