Flamini: Diaby and Walcott Will Boost Arsenal Into Title Contention

Matheiu Flamini has revealed that Arsenal's injury returns this summer are setting a positive atmosphere for the squad as they look ahead to mounting a serious title challenge in the 2014-15 season.

The Gunners looked the goods at the beginning of the last campaign with Mesut Ozil joining the side in the opening months but their push for the Premier League trophy trailed off in the new year as Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool ran ahead.

This was largely attributed to injuries within the squad, with Arsene Wenger once again looking like having a lack of depth compared to his big-spending counterparts.

But Flamini believes that with the return of the likes of Abou Diaby, Theo Walcott and Jack Wilshere the side are feeling a serious boost as they prepare for a season with new signing Alexis Sanchez.

"It's very positive for the club and the team to have Abou [Diaby] back [in training], because he's a very talented player," he told Goal.com.

"Hopefully we'll also have Theo back in a month. It's all very positive for the team because we have a lot of quality, but we had a few injuries which made it a bit difficult for us in the title race.

"I hope Jack [Wilshere] and every single player will be fit for the whole season. It gives us more options and makes us stronger.

"When we have everyone fully fit, it gives much more opportunity for different [tactical] possibilities and makes it easier for the coach to manage the team. It's a plus for everyone."

Wenger signed a three year contract extension with the club at the end of May, putting an end to the speculation surrounding his future.

While the club have finished their last two seasons fighting until the final games for Champions League qualification Flamini believes that the manager will find his glory days once again and the players are all happy to continue playing under the Frenchman.

"For all the players it was great news, and for me even more because he played a big part in bringing me to Arsenal from France the first time and then bringing me back," he explained.

"We were all very happy because he's played a big role in Arsenal ever since he came here.

"We feel even more confident now we've won a title. We're coming into a new season now and hopefully we'll win another one."