Thomas Vermaelen has said that Arsenal should still be aiming to challenge for everything and is confident that the current squad are good enough to do that.

The Belgian defender thinks that keeping key players fit will be the most important factor in ensuring Arsenal continue to challenge for honours this season.

Vermaelen said: "I know people are criticising Arsenal, but our main target is to keep everybody fit. If we do that, I'm really confident our team is good enough to compete for everything.

"Money can do a lot in football, but it doesn't mean you can win prizes all the time, your vision is really important as well. I like the vision of Arsenal."

Vermaelen is captain of Arsenal for their pre-season tour of Asia, which continues with a friendly against Manchester City in the 'Bird's Nest' stadium in Beijing.

Written by
Liam Power