Arsenal legend Nigel Winterburn believes the club's recent form demonstrates the potential of Arsene Wenger's vision and has tipped them to challenge for the Premier League title next season.
The Gunners have recovered after crashing out of the Champions League and FA Cup in February to post a seven game unbeaten run to strengthen their Champions League credentials.
And Winterburn, who made 440 appearances for Arsenal before joining West Ham in 2000, insists the club can launch a concerted push for the league title next season.
"They have a good core of talent and if they can add one or two to it then I think they will be even stronger next season," Winterburn told the official Arsenal Web site.
"I expect them to be back up there at least challenging. If you put yourself in that position then that is all you can ask. Eventually you get yourself over the line first and hopefully that will be sooner rather than later for Arsenal."
Arsenal extended their winning run to seven Premier League matches with a 3-0 victory over Aston Villa at the weekend. The result moved them three points clear of fourth-placed Tottenham - who were held to a goalless draw with Chelsea - and tightened their grip on third place. Despite a seventh trophy-less season, Winterburn believes the club have continued to improve over a tumultuous campaign.
"I have looked at the years gone by when people talk about how long it has been, but I can count at least two seasons where they were in a position to have won it," he added.
"They have also been close in cup finals and have been to semi-finals as well so I think the divide line between success and failure is very close.
"If they can continue their recent revival until the end of the season and then start off again next year, hopefully they will put themselves in a position to challenge for the Premier League. That is what everybody wants."
