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Arsenal defender Jurrien Timber is confident that the Gunners have all the necessary elements to build a Premier League title-winning campaign. The summer has been fruitful for Arsenal's sporting director Andrea Berta and manager Mikel Arteta, with six new permanent signings made during the transfer window.
Ahead of Arsenal's Premier League opener against Manchester United at Old Trafford, Arteta spoke about the trophy chase: "You keep digging, digging, digging, because one day the gold is going to be there."
Timber echoed his manager's sentiment, stating: "You can tell we are close, it is just that last step. There is nothing more you can do (except) just go for it and fight for it all the way.
"I think we have the manager for it, we have the team for it, we have the club for it. That is the reason why everyone is so excited to start again. Give it all because we know we have the chance."
However, Timber dismissed the idea that bad luck played a significant role in Arsenal – who finished second last season – ending up 10 points behind the champions.
"You always need a bit of luck but in the end last season we just weren't good enough," he admitted. "Liverpool was better. So we are trying to make that difference this season."
Following their match at Old Trafford, Arsenal will face Leeds United, Liverpool, Nottingham Forest, Manchester City and Newcastle.
Timber commented: "It is a tough beginning, isn't it? I think last season we had a tough start. It can go both ways. If you start well, it can be amazing.
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"That is the challenge. We have to see game-by-game, so for us it is Manchester on Sunday and then Leeds. I think we also have to have that approach of it being another game we need to win. That is the best way to approach (it).
"Personally when the programme comes out for the first time you think 'oh, that is a tough start'. And then from now on, the whole week you are just talking about Manchester United, not the game against City. It is so far away. The whole week has been about Manchester United. Not even Leeds or Liverpool."
Timber disclosed that he had an ankle operation at the end of last season to "take something out that was bothering me for a long time", adding: "I feel good now."
He doesn't think there's any additional pressure on the Gunners this season, despite their lack of trophies.
He stated: "I think Arsenal has showed the last couple of years already that we will always be fighting for the title.
"Also every year they are trying to strengthen the squad, this summer as well. I think we have an amazing group and a group to do amazing things, this is what we will strive for of course and we will try to give everything, like every season.
"This season is not going to be any different."
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