Mathieu Flamini believes that Arsenal's ability to hold onto their key players in recent seasons has made them serious title contenders.

The Gunners have lost the likes of Cesc Fabregas, Samir Nasri, Robin van Persie and Gael Clichy over the past few years but have managed to hang onto all their key players recently, while adding some quality.

Flamini told the Daily Telegraph: "I can feel Arsenal now is different to the club I left in 2008. I don't think any of the key players left in the last two years. It's a great example.

"And each year we have added quality players like Mesut Ozil, Alexis Sanchez and Petr Cech. These are players who can make the difference at any moment. So I think we have a very good chance." Arsenal will begin their season on Sunday when they play Chelsea in the Community Shield at Wembley.