1: I'm not suggesting Vermaelen is a bad squad option, but due to the ages of their centre backs - Mertesacker, Koscielny and Vermaelen all approaching 30 - I think they could be in dangerous territory relying on Vermaelen to provide back-up, particularly following Sagna's departure who filled in there. Arteta is rapidly on the wane, Diaby is continuously crocked and Jenkinson is distinctly average. All-in-all, a decent squad though.
2: A keeper, right back and defensive midfielder/box-to-box; If they sign Ochoa, they have someone to provide excellent cover in that position and really push for the number one shirt, Debuchy's just joined and it looks like they'll add Manquilo so they will have the numbers in defence and Khedira isn't the most suitable midfielder, but would be a good addition and offer something they lack. I stand by a centre back being needed, despite Mertesacker and Koscielny's formidable partnership but I suppose it isn't imperative.
3: They do, but their main issue is the lack of a prolific striker who could take them up a gear. For all those attacking options, someone who could supplement 25+ goals a season would elevate them to another level. As it is, they have Giroud a few levels below the best strikers, Sanchez whom has question marks over his efficiency in front of goal and Walcott who might not be the same player when he returns from his ACL injury. Off on a tangent there, but to answer the direct question, possibly yes, although Ozil, Rosicky and Cazorla are the only orthodox #10's they possess.
4: I don't see why not. His goal tally pre-midseason injury was staggering and the subsequent injury that followed didn't even disrupt his form following his return to the first team picture. Continued his incredible goal-scoring vein with a goal in the FA Cup final, starring performances and the same energy. The guy is on an upward trajectory and with Arsenal continually improving, I'd back him to sustain his form.
5: Yes, definitely. The key matter is maintaining an injury-free squad next season. That has often been a convenient excuse for them, but they have the sufficient quality now across the squad as well as first team and they've finally won a trophy. I expect plenty of momentum into the season, starting with a possible Community Shield win and then just maybe, they can last the distance this time.
) necessary for a title-winning team. Their team is brimming with technical players brimming with flair, but they lack real leaders on the pitch. When the going gets tough, they capitulate under pressure. Looking at that squad, I fail to recognise any players who can truly step up their game and take the game by the scruff of the neck when the going gets tough. By that I dont necessarily mean, a hard man but more determined and iron-willed players. Their capitulations last season were truly indicative of this. Against the lower teams, their quality shone but against the top teams their weak mentality was exposed. I still remember watching Wenger's 1000th game last season and all the hype precluding it. Mourinho came out before the game and said Wenger's has had his fair share of bad games and failed to even pay a compliment to him. Ex-players were all gushing in their praises for Arsene etc. I was truly expecting a competitive game and was actually rooting for Arsene given the respect I had for him. Arsene could finally beat Mourinho for once... What happened in the game was shambolic to say the least... Never had I felt such sympathy for an opposing manager given the special occasion that it was supposed to be...