But Wenger has used the international break to sign five players – Mikel Arteta, Per Mertesacker, Yossi Benayoun, Andre Santos and Park Chu-Young – and believes today’s clash against Swansea heralds a new start.

Arsenal sold captain Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri, and Arsene Wenger watched his depleted team make a disastrous start to the new season – which included an 8-2 humiliation at Manchester United.

I could write a book about the summer. It was the most disturbed we have had since I have been here.

“In my job you expect to suffer,” said Wenger. “So that’s why when I go to hell one day it will be less painful for me than for you, because I’m used to suffering.

“I could write a book about the summer. It was the most disturbed we have had since I have been here.

“The book would be quite an interesting read. Not because of me, but because of all that happened. It was unbelievable.”