The Contenders for 2012-13 Season: Part 1 by Tushar Sharma @tushsharma

Arsenal  F.C

It seems to happen every year now that one of Arsene Wenger’s stars grows frustrated of Arsenal’s trophy drought and decides to move on. And this year, it’s none other than Robin Van Persie. This is a devastating blow to Arsenal’s hopes to make the 2012-13 seasons a success. RVP recently went public stating his disillusionment with Wenger’s project, and now the gaffer’s faced with quite a conundrum- whether to make Van Persie play out the final year of his contract and hope he pulls a Wayne Rooney and signs a new deal, OR cash in on him and look to reinvest the money on a few players.

The smart thing would probably be to sell Persie while he commands a big transfer fee, but Wenger will not want to sell to a Premier League rival, with Manchester City waiting to swoop and Man United also reportedly contemplating a bid. 

As for the new arrivals, Lucas Podolski’s transfer was finalized earlier this year, and Oliver Giroud was brought in recently to fill-in Persie’s massive role. And while both these player have undeniable quality, it is not going to be an easy job.

Jack Wilshere will be like a new signing and it will be interesting to see him function in Arsenal’s midfield along the likes of Arteta, Song and Ramsey. Will Wenger and his men help Arsenal to end their Title drought?  With the addition of Podolski and Giroud to starting line up, Arsenal will challenge for the Premier League Title.

Chelsea F.C

Wrapping up the 2011-12 season as Champions League and FA Cup champions, Chelsea set the tone for the new season by signing Eden Hazard and Marko Marin, two of Europe’s most promising talents, with the former already a superstar in his own right.

After Didier Drogba’s move to China and Florent Malouda and Salomon Kalou on their way out, Chelsea is in for a quite a  transition, which will see a few more new faces arrive at Stamford Bridge.  Brazilian midfielder Oscar looks set to complete his move after the London Olympics. Oscar, called ‘the next Kaka’, is known for his prowess in the ball and will challenge for a spot as a centrally positioned play maker.

 The trickiest bit for Di Matteo will be replacing a player as iconic as Drogba, who for years has led Chelsea’s attack and to devastating effect.  Fernando Torres has received assurances from the Roberto Di Matteo that he will lead the Chelsea attack this season, and he will be looking to finally make a mark in the Blues’ jersey.

Roman Abramovich is not a man to settle for just last season’s laurels and has demonstrated some serious ambition by loosening up his purse strings so that this younger, new-look Chelsea side can play positive, thrilling football and make a good run in the Premiership and attempt a Champions League title defense.