At 23, the exciting Bulgarian winger Aleksander Tonev is the oldest of Villa's new boys, and if, as expected, Shay Given departs this transfer window - there won't be a single player aged 30 or above in the squad.
As well as the incomers, seven of last season's team have signed new long-term deals this summer, with the persuasion of Christian Benteke to stay surely the most important signing of all. Will Arsenal fans be looking at him thinking what they could have had?
They have signed one player who's been likened to Benteke (20-year-old Frenchman Yaya Sanogo) - but that's it, just one player. You can understand some Gooners thinking it's 'groundhog season' again.
Bids for superstars like Luis Suarez and Gonzalo Higuain show that Arsene Wenger is trying to strengthen with sizeable funds available, and the boss insists the club will be active in the transfer market until deadline day.
Although Arsenal have had a reasonable pre season culminating in a 3-1 victory over Man City there is sure to be a hint of unrest over the lack of any, as promised, marquee signings.
Aston Villa on the other hand seemed to have invested wisely during the window with numbers and experience being added to the squad. This being topped off with Paul Lambert persuading star striker Christian Benteke to stick with the Villain’s for at least another season.
From the outside I see Villa progressing this season and finishing in the top ten, would be interested if their fans would be satisfied with that progress and a run in one of the cups. I won’t mention Bradford if you don’t!
I think there will be goals in this with both teams looking stronger offensively rather than defensively and with my Arsenal head I am tipping the Gunners to edge it by the odd goal.
Arsenal vs Aston Villa
English Premier LeagueSaturday, 17 August 2013
7AM PT/10AM ET/3PM BT
Emirates Stadium, London
