FABREGAS CHALLENGES YOUNG GUNS

Cesc Fabregas maintains now is the time for Arsenal's young Gunners to 'prove they are winners' by mounting a sustained challenge for the Barclays Premier League title.

As Arsenal prepare for the new campaign without talisman Thierry Henry, Arsene Wenger looks set to again rely on a delicate blend of youth and experience.

Last season, however, that came up short, as despite reaching the Carling Cup final, his men failed to land any silverware in their first campaign at their new Emirates Stadium home.

Although Brazilian-born Croatia striker Eduardo da Silva, 24, and defender Bacary Sagna have been added to the squad, there have been no other high-profile signings so far.

Fabregas, however, maintains the talent is there within the squad - now the challenge is to deliver.

"The future is looking good," the 20-year-old declared.

"We have very good young players and most of them are teenagers. We are all ready to fight for the League, the Champions League, the FA Cup, the Carling Cup - for everything.

"We must fight for everything that is in front of us. We must prove we are not just young, but that we are winners."

Fabregas added on Arsenal.Com: "We know we have a lot to learn, but also we have a lot of experience.

"There is no doubt that there is quality and if we all give 100% and injuries respect us, I am sure we will have a good season.

"We are Arsenal, we are one of the most important teams in Europe. So definitely we have to be fighting for the title because it would not be Arsenal if we are not doing this."

Spain international Fabregas, a reported summer transfer target for Real Madrid, has underlined his own commitment to Arsenal by declaring the intention to one day captain the side.

The young midfielder knows next season will be challenging without Henry, but feels Gunners fans can expect plenty of good times ahead at the Emirates Stadium after a "difficult" time settling in.

"It is a bit different to play at Highbury against playing at the Emirates," reflected Fabregas.

"It was a big move and very important for the club - but now we are all used to it.

"We are playing the same football we have for the four years I have been here, so we have no excuses."

Wenger, meanwhile, has yet to commit himself to a new deal, although the board remain confident one will be agreed with the French coach, 57, sooner rather than later.

Fabregas said: "We all hope he is going to stay because I do not think this club would have the same philosophy of playing football [without him].

"He has brought most of us here and given us the opportunity

- but we do not have to worry about that.

"It is his future and he can decide for himself, but we all believe he is going to stay for a lot of years."

In the short-term, Wenger is likely to continue without a director of football until after the transfer window closes, with club scout and former player Gilles Grimandi the man most likely to eventually be appointed.

The immediate attentions of the Arsenal boss are now on the forthcoming friendlies as the pre-season schedule steps up a gear.

Wenger put his squad through their paces at their training camp in Austria today ahead of matches against Genclerbirligi tomorrow night and then Salzburg next Wednesday.

Arsenal host the Emirates Cup on July 28 and 29, before competing at the Amsterdam Tournament in preparation for the Barclays Premier League opener at home to Fulham on August 12.

Wenger has promised to utilise all his new signings next weekend - when Gunners fans should get the chance to see the likes of Eduardo, Sagna and Poland goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski as well as the return of former captain Patrick Vieira with Inter Milan.

"I will be playing a strong side for both matches and we will be taking both matches very seriously, so you can expect to see all available players involved the matches over the weekend," said the Arsenal boss.

"We know how important it is to start the new season well, and I am convinced we will be focused and ready to start.".

Taken from =football365=