New arrivals will see Arsenal challenge for silverware says Wojciech Szczesny

Wojciech Szczesny insists Arsenal will be better placed to win
silverware next season following the arrival of Lukas Podolski and
Olivier Giroud.

The Gunners' search for a trophy extended into a seventh year following another barren campaign in 2011-12.

With top scorer Robin van Persie set to leave Emirates Stadium, their ability to challenge for silverware appears to have diminished.

But keeper Szczesny insists they will have benefited from the experiences of last season.

"This club always has the same aims and that's winning trophies," said Szczesny.

"We obviously haven't done it in the last few years and that's disappointing for the players and the fans, but I believe we will be that little bit stronger than we were last year.

"We have a couple of quality signings already. And we're confident we can fight for the trophies more than we did last year.

"I think the players who were lacking experience last year now have that experience.

"We have a couple of signings, more players who can score goals. Podolski's goal record speaks for itself.

"We're strong offensively and [assistant manager] Steve Bould has been doing some fantastic work with the defence.

"That seems to be working very well. It all makes me believe we'll be that little bit stronger."

Germany youth international midfielder Serge Gnabry, 17, has agreed professional terms with Arsenal.

PA