Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech believes the Gunners are not far away from challenging for the Premier League crown. The north London club finished a massive 37 points behind champions Manchester City last season and this mostly resulted from their poor Premier League form on their travels.

In a recent report covered by Sport Review, Cech admitted that the club were not far off from competing with their home form but acknowledged that the away run needs to improve next term, he said: “Are we far away from mounting a title challenge next season? I don’t think so. When you see our home form we are up there. The difference between us and the others were away games. We had a terrible run of results away from home and that is what cost us this season. But I think the new manager, or new coach, will find a great setup with a very healthy club and a great support.”

The north London club suffered a drastic dip in form on their travels and they ended the season with their worst ever away run in over 50 years. Despite this, there is a sense of positivity around the club with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang impressing in the backend of the season and new manager Unai Emery can hopefully propel the club towards the top four, which should ideally be their aim next season.

Arsenal are yet to make any transfer deals for the summer but according to reports, they are making the moves to pursue at least one central defender. Borussia Dortmund’s Sokratis has been earmarked as one of the prime candidates to fulfil the position and it will be interesting to see whether they can acquire his signature ahead of their many European rivals including Manchester United. Sokratis, who has one year left on his Dortmund deal, is currently valued at £17.5m.