There is a lot of talk about Yann M'Vila coming to Arsenal for next season, and while like most transfer chases it has been full of twists and turns, the chances are he will be wearing a Gunners shirt next season.
If he arrives, or even another defensive midfielder, Ettien Capoue is one name mentioned, many have speculated how Arsenal's midfield may line up on the first day of next season.
Arsenal have had a number of players involved at Euro 2012, preventing them from resting up for the season ahead, including Tomas Rosicky, Theo Walcott and Robin van Persie.
The start of next season may just conjure up some surprise results with some of the top sides if they do not manage their squads effectively; the combination of tournament football, pre-season friendlies around the globe, and even the Olympic tournament threaten to play havoc with even the best of squads.
Factor in injuries with fatigue and the club with the biggest advantage early on, which features some huge clashes, could just be the one with the freshest legs in the middle of the park.
Tomas Rosicky's injury picked up for the Czech Republic is threatening to disrupt his pre-season, questions remain over Jack Wilshere's fitness, and Emmanuel Frimpong is out until September. Abou Diaby is a man few Arsenal fans expect to be fit either. Aaron Ramsey - one who will be rested- might just surprise a few people, providing he is not called into the Olympic squad.
This is why the duo of Arteta and Song - both fully rested - will be more important than ever at the start of the season, and Arsenal should wrap them in cotton wool through their pre-season.
Yann M'Vila, should he arrive, will be raring to go, but he will not be as fresh as Song and Arteta, after playing for Francea at Euro 2012 and will need time to recuperate.
Having two fresh men in the middle of the park will be crucial for Arsenal. When they travel to Anfield on their third league game of the season, Song and Arteta would be up against a Steven Gerrard who has played a big part at Euro 2012.
Chelsea may benefit from Frank Lampard's injury, allowing him to recover for the start of next season, while nearly all of Manchester City's midfielders with the exception of Yaya Toure will have had a busy summer.
Arsenal need to keep Song and Arteta fresh, not over-use them in pre-season but give them valuable match time too, and having them fully fit and raring to go may just give them a key edge in the season's opening encounters.
image: © Ronnie Macdonald
Dan Coombs
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Dan Coombs is a writer who is keen to embrace the internet revolution. He first started writing for us in June 2011 and commenced his new role as Sports Editor in February 2012.
As a trained journalist he has met famous faces from Mr T to Boris Johnson. He once featured in an England World Cup music video too, but it did not make the charts.
He grew up wanting to be a Formula 1 driver, but it looks like this dream has passed him by. Instead, he hopes you enjoy reading his writing on our site, as we seek to debate the day's sporting hot topics.
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