Aaron Ramsey: Confident of Arsenal's prospects for next season

Aaron Ramsey says Arsenal are ready to build on FA Cup glory by challenging Chelsea for the Premier League title next season.

Ramsey claims the current squad is strong enough to mount a serious challenge even if Arsene Wenger does not invest in summer reinforcements.

The Welsh midfielder says he does not expect that to happen - "every club brings in new faces and a few leave" - and Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech and Southampton midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin are among those who have been linked with then north London side.

"Even with this group of players now I believe if everyone was fit in the season we would have a great opportunity of competing for the Premier League," Ramsey said.

"This team has come on a lot over the last few years and if we can get off to a good start next season we will challenge.

"The club is in a good place where they can afford not to let players go, we're building on this team rather than seeing players leaving.

"It is a nice feeling and means that the group can stick together. The understanding is there already, so it can only get stronger."

Arsenal have the benefit of avoiding a Champions League qualification match in August and Ramsey believes going straight into the group stages of the competition will help Arsene Wenger's side hit the ground running.

Even with this group of players now I believe if everyone was fit in the season we would have a great opportunity of competing for the Premier League. Aaron Ramsey

"At the beginning of the season you're still getting your fitness levels up and those first few games are quite tough," said Ramsey, mindful that Arsenal have had tiring trips to Turkey at the start of the last two campaigns.

"If you sandwich a few Champions League fixtures in between them, that's maybe too much for certain players at that time of the season.

"So it's important to go through to the group stages without having that knock-out game to qualify.

"The good thing for us is not to have those games and hopefully that gets off to a very strong start."