Incredibly talented midfielder Denilson should improve on last season if he is to hold down a regualar starting place. Last season, inconsistent form and injuries saw Denilson and Diaby juggle time for most of the year as Song's central midfield partner.

Denilson, whose stellar 2008-09 campaign had many predicting big things, was sidelined for two months in September by a back injury, allowing Diaby to take over the starting role. Diaby joined Song and Fabregas in a dynamic midfield trio that saw Arsenal through its most successful period before he suffered his own injury in early November.

Former Arsenal midfielder Fran Merida joined Atletico Madrid last week on a four year contract, has revealed manager Arsène Wenger's disappointment over the transfer. He has tipped Denilson to follow him out of the door soon, unless he gets more games.

Merida has struggled to break into the Arsenal first team, with Denilson or Alex Song being the preferred partners to captain Cesc Fabregas, and a move away from the Emirates was always on the cards.

Denilson has no doubts his game is rapidly improving under Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger.

The Brazil international is now establishing himself as a first-choice in Wenger's midfield this season.

"He is a coach who shows affection towards his players, he shows respect and attention to each one. This creates an open relationship that we all feel very comfortable with and we can perform our work at our best," Denilson told Sport.

On facing Champions League opponents Barcelona, Denilson added: "We liked the draw and we are happy because we can play against the best team in the world.

Arsenal midfielder Denilson has warned Manchester United that it will not be 'men against boys' when the two sides lock horns at Emirates Stadium.

"We lost two games against Manchester United in the Champions League but we learned from both," said the Brazilian.

"I remember Evra saying it was men against boys. We're not boys any more, I am a man and I'll show that on the pitch. I don't like to talk too much off the field, I just want to show it out there."