Are things falling apart for Arsenal?

Arsene Wenger could face one of the toughest challenges yet in his managerial career as he tries to overcome what is proving to be a turbulent summer transfer window.

While many feel that if Arsenal are to mount a serious challenge for the Premier League next season, they need to add to their squad, it appears that there is far more activity regarding players leaving Arsenal.

Gael Clichy completed a £7 million switch to Man City this week, Samir Nasri could also be heading to Manchester although a move to the red half of the city seems more likely and Cesc Fabregas also seems destined to leave Arsenal with the most likely destination being the Nou Camp. Robin Van Persie and Andrey Arshavin have also been linked with moves away.

Arsenal's troubles seemed to start with their dramatic late loss to Birmingham in the Carling Cup final which was swiftly followed by a few disastrous weeks where their season unravelled. That meant Arsene Wenger had to endure yet another season without silverware.

However, Wenger still seems to have an unshakable belief that his crop of youngsters that he has built over those years have the talent to deliver silverware to the Emirates. In fact, it is hard to argue that they lack talent but their lack of success is probably more down to their lack of other ingredients. For example, they still haven't solved goalkeeping or defensive issues, they lack a genuine leader and the sort of mental strength needed to become champions.

With a few signings this summer, many of those problems could have been solved but now Wenger will have to solve these problems as well as replacing some of the key members of the team he has been trying to build.

In some ways, Wenger's faith in his players is admirable and the fact that he is slowly trying to build a great side is impressive but, if they continue to miss out on trophies, how long will it be before someone like Jack Wilshere gets fed up and attracts interest from elsewhere?

This summer is even more important for Arsenal.Considering the emergence of Man City as genuine title contenders and the rejuvenated Man Utd, Chelsea and Liverpool, Arsenal could fall even further off the pace.