Arsenal Season of Promise: Arteta’s 5th season of rebuild, it’s time to deliver.

Arsenal Season of Promise

As Arsenal embarks on the new season, the pressure to deliver is intensifying. Mikel Arteta, now in his fifth season, has transformed the club since his arrival, but the fans’ craving for a major trophy remains unfulfilled. With expectations soaring, Arteta emphasizes the need for continuous improvement:

“Every year, it’s going to be harder, so we have to be better and set new standards. If we do that, we’ll give ourselves a good chance.”

As the team strives to reclaim its former glory, let’s examine the meticulous preparations undertaken by the club to meet the mounting expectations and make this season a triumphant one.

Arsenal Transfer Business 

As the 2024/2025 season approaches, Arsenal has made significant moves in the transfer market, starting with the permanent signing of Spanish goalkeeper David Raya from Brentford. Raya, who joined on loan last season, impressed Mikel Arteta and became the first-choice goalkeeper, ousting Aaron Ramsdale.

Arteta, a long-time admirer of Raya, secured the permanent deal, making him the first summer signing.

Additionally, Arsenal acquired Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna for £43 million. According to The Athletic, the Gunners had been tracking Calafiori since December 2023, and he even visited the Emirates in January during the 5-0 win over Crystal Palace.

Calafiori had a stellar season with Bologna, helping them qualify for the Champions League and impressing for Italy in the Euros. He is expected to primarily play left back, addressing a key area of need for Arsenal due to injuries to senior players.

Arsenal has made two significant signings so far, but the club is still actively seeking to bolster their squad before the transfer window closes. Meanwhile, several players have departed the Emirates, headlined by the sale of academy graduate Emile Smith-Rowe to Fulham for £34 million, with a sell-on clause included. Smith-Rowe’s departure was a difficult decision for both parties, as injuries had hindered his progress over the past two seasons.

The move aims to revive his career under Marco Silva at Craven Cottage. Additionally, Muhammad Elneny and Cedric Soares have left the club upon the expiration of their contracts, as they were not part of Mikel Arteta’s long-term plans. Sambi Lokonga has joined Sevilla on loan with a buy option, while Nuno Tavares has moved to Lazio on loan with an obligation to buy, further trimming the Gunners’ squad.

There are some players whose futures are still uncertain, and their possible transfers will create space for other incoming players into the squad before the end of the summer transfer window.

One player who has been linked to different clubs is Eddie Nketiah. The 25-year-old backup striker has had suitors this transfer window and was close to joining French side Olympique Marseille, but the two clubs couldn’t agree on a fee.

It was reported that Nketiah really loved the idea of moving to France to start another journey in his career, but the French club couldn’t broker a deal with Arsenal. Another suitor who showed concrete interest is Bournemouth, who were looking for a replacement for Dominic Solanke, who has left their club to join Tottenham.

Reports was that Eddie Nketiah was part of a two-man shortlist as a possible incoming for the striker position at Bournemouth. But Bournemouth completed a deal already for Porto striker Evanilson, and it’s believed the possible of getting Eddie has ended. Other Premier League clubs like Brentford and Crystal Palace are also monitoring the situation surrounding the Arsenal man. Reiss Nelson is another player whose future is believed to be edging closer to an exit, and it was reported that the player made his mind known to the management that he would like to move on to somewhere else.

Aaron Ramsdale has been linked to Ajax, but Arsenal will only let the Englishman leave on a permanent transfer, as Ajax offered a loan move.

The eventual end of these transfer situations will contribute to further incoming players. Talking about further incoming players, one who is believed to be nearing closer to North London is Mikel Merino. Arsenal and Real Sociedad have been locked in negotiations to find a solution and broker a deal. The Spanish man wants to join Arsenal, and personal terms are not an issue.

There are also reports that Arsenal is still monitoring other midfielders, but their names have been kept secret. There are also names linked to adding firepower to the attack; Victor Osimhen is a name being considered. The Nigerian has submitted a transfer request to Napoli and has a €130 million release clause in his contract, but clubs are unwilling to pay that much.

It is believed that PSG, Chelsea, and Arsenal are the three likely clubs the Nigerian will end up at. Victor Gyokeres is another name, after moving from Coventry to Sporting Lisbon, the striker had an amazing season where he scored 43 goals and provided 13 assists. He has a €100 million release clause, but it’s unclear how willing Arsenal would be to trigger it.

Coman, Adringa, and Sane are names being considered. The decision on whether it will be a winger or striker will be based on market opportunities and sales. The goalkeeper department is another place where we might still see some incoming players, as the Gunners tried to get Bentley from Wolves earlier in the window, but their offer was deemed too small. It is believed that Mikel Arteta sees the goalkeeper as a third choice and someone who will help the homegrown quota.

Another name is 23 year old Espanyol goalkeeper Joan García, who just got promoted to La Liga, and reports say Mikel Arteta has lined him up as a possible replacement for Aaron Ramsdale if he eventually leaves before the end of the summer transfer window.

Arsenal Squad Analysis

Going into the season, the Gunners have 2 senior goalkeepers (David Raya and Aaron Ramsdale), 8 senior defenders (Ben White, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Riccardo Calafiori, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Jurrien Timber, and Jakub Kiwior), 6 senior midfielders (Thomas Partey, Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard, Fabio Vieira, Kai Havertz, Jorginho Frello), and 6 senior forwards (Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard, Eddie Nketiah, and Reiss Nelson) – that’s 22 senior players in total.

The defense is the department with the most quality and depth. Every defender in the team is capable of holding their own against any opponent. The defense was the best in the league last season, and going into the new season, that should be the case again. The addition of Riccardo Calafiori is the icing on the cake of an already great defensive depth. Jurrien Timber is another player who feels like a new signing for the Gunners. After being out for a long-term injury due to an ACL, the player is back now and being eased into the team.

The goalkeeper department is another place where there’s quality depth. With David Raya and Aaron Ramsdale, the Gunners aren’t short of quality at the post. However, a third goalkeeper should be added to the ranks before the window closes.

The midfield is a department the Gunners struggled with last season. Even after the inclusion of Declan Rice last season, the Gunners still lacked depth, which became obvious when Thomas Partey was injured. Arsenal are yet to add another midfielder to their ranks, and it should be a concern going into the new season.

The attack has quality depth, but the future of Eddie Nketiah and Reiss Nelson is in the air. The Gunners should be looking to add more firepower at the front before the transfer window closes, be it a striker or winger.

A major plus regarding squad depth is the ability of many players to play different positions. Players like Ben White, Kiwior, Calafiori, Timber, and Tomiyasu can play both as center-backs and fullbacks. Kai Havertz plays midfield and center-forward to a good standard. Gabriel Jesus and Leandro Trossard can also play as wingers or strikers. This can help both tactically and with regards to finding squad solutions in any cases of unforeseen injuries or suspensions.

Arsenal Objectives of Season

Mikel Arteta has emphasized that to win the Premier League this season, his Arsenal side must set new standards and strive for improvement, as the competition will only get tougher.

Tte Gunners’ primary objective for the 2024/2025 season is to win the Premier League, after narrowly missing out on the title in the past two seasons, finishing second on both occasions. Arteta has stated in a preseason interview that the team aims to be near perfection, targeting an impressive 114 points. This demonstrates the team’s commitment to giving their all and leaving no stone unturned in their pursuit of success. In addition to domestic glory, Arsenal is also focused on making a significant impact in the UEFA Champions League.

After reaching the quarterfinals last season, where they faced a tough defeat against Bayern Munich with an aggregate score of 3-2, the Gunners are determined to go even further this time around. Winning the Champions League for the first time in the club’s history is a key goal for the current players and management.

Furthermore, cup competitions should be a priority for Arsenal this season. Unlike in previous seasons, where the club seemed to deprioritize cup games, the current management is committed to building an era-defining period at the club. This means winning major trophies, including the Champions League and domestic cup competitions, is essential. The club is poised to make a strong statement this season and achieve success on multiple fronts.

Arsenal Tactical Setup 

We will most likely see a similar tactical setup to last season, with an emphasis on pressing, dueling, and playing out from the back. Mikel Arteta wants his team to dominate both physically and technically, which is evident in the type of players he recruits – those who are physical and technically astute.

Most teams set up a low block against the Gunners, which means they will play a high line in most games. Mikel likes to overload the midfield by inverting an extra defender to the midfielde to force the opposition to push backwards. When needed, the team can sit back and absorb pressure, as we saw in a few games last season, and they have the weapons to hurt opponents on the counterattack.

Mikel Arteta will continue with his preferred 4-3-3 formation, which later forms a 2-3-5 or 3-2-5 setup. This features wingers high and wide, with the two number 8s in half-spaces. There will be games where Kai Havertz will play as the second striker at the tip of a diamond formation, with either Leandro Trossard or Gabriel Jesus at center-forward. In big games, Mikel prefers to use physical fullbacks to defend channels (such as Timber, White, Calafiori, and Tomiyasu). Arsenal is a tactically proficient team, and we will see different setups against different oppositions.

Arsenal Key players

Arsenal boasts an array of superstars within their ranks, whose exceptional talents translate to outstanding performances on the pitch. One such standout player is Bukayo Saka, the Hale End graduate who has established himself as one of the world’s top wingers since becoming a first-team regular.

His impressive stats from the last season, including 20 goals and 14 assists, solidify his position as one of the most productive players in both the Premier League and Champions League. As the 22-year-old English international heads into the new season, he will be focused on further refining his already elite standards. With a consistent upward trajectory in his goal contributions – 19 in 2021/2022, 25 in 2022/2023, and 34 in 2023/2024 – Saka guarantees a high level of performance for the team.

Another key player is the team’s captain Martin Odegaard, who has consistently showcased his exceptional qualities throughout his tenure at Arsenal. As PFA Player of the Season nominee, the Norwegian was one of the league’s top performers last season, excelling in various chance creation metrics. This creative machine will once again be a reliable asset for the team in the upcoming season.

Mikel Arteta’s record-breaking signing, Declan Rice, is another superstar in the midfield. Despite pressure due to £105 millionfee, Rice delivered an outstanding performance, marshaling one of the league’s best midfields while playing as a defensive midfielder. His adaptability and goal-scoring prowess, evident in his 15 Premier League goal contributions, make him a formidable force capable of competing with any opposition.

In defense, Arsenal boasts the exceptional William Saliba, arguably the world’s best center-back. At just 23 years old, he has reached a peak many can only dream of. Saliba’s effortless defensive prowess earns him the nickname “Royce Roilce,” and his presence ensures another defensive masterclass in the league.

The team is further bolstered by the consistent performances of Ben White, Gabriel Magalhaes, Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli, and Jorginho, who collectively form a formidable unit capable of challenging any club.

Arsenal Fixtures and Schedule

Arsenal is set to commence their season with a home match against Wolves at the Emirates later this afternoon, marking the beginning of a challenging campaign. The initial ten games pose a significant test, featuring formidable opponents such as Aston Villa, Tottenham, Manchester City, Liverpool, and Newcastle. This demanding run of fixtures demands that the Gunners hit the ground running and maintain their momentum from the outset.

The Champions League is scheduled to commence in September, with Arsenal facing a congested fixture list, including five games in October and seven in November, due to the revamped Champions League format. The Premier League season will culminate with an away match against Southampton, providing a conclusive test of the team’s endurance and resolve.

Mikel Arteta his Red Army must be at the pinnacle of their performance from the very start of the season, striving to sustain their form throughout the campaign in pursuit of a successful season. The team’s ability to navigate this challenging schedule and maintain their intensity will be crucial in determining their ultimate triumph.

Youth and Academy strategy under Arteta at Arsenal 

Since the start of the rebuild under Mikel Arteta, Arsenal has shown a preference for youthful exuberance in their transfer strategy. The approach has been to bring in young, talented players and mold them into the best version of themselves. Examples of such players include Gabriel Magalhaes, Martin Odegaard, Fabio Vieira, Riccardo Calafiori, Ben White, Aaron Ramsdale, Jurrien Timber, and Jakub Kiwior, who were all signed at a youthful age after impressive seasons at their former clubs.

As a result, Arsenal had the youngest squad in the 2022/2023 season and the second-youngest squad in the 2023/2024 season. Going into the new season, the team boasts a roster full of youthful pride. Academy players Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly are tipped to be involved in the senior team this season.

Mikel Arteta gave Ethan Nwaneri his debut at the age of 15, making him the youngest debutant in Premier League history. Two seasons later, the talented youngster is expected to be eased slowly into the coming season.

 

Myles Lewis-Skelly is another academy player who has shown readiness for senior football during preseason games. The 17-year-old displayed maturity beyond his age. These youngsters will be privileged to get minutes in cup games, as Arsenal is set to further trim their squad, making way for gametime for these talented youngsters.

As the 2024/2025 season approaches, let’s examine the top contenders for trophies in competitions Arsenal is aiming to claim. In the Premier League, the main contenders are Arsenal and Manchester City, with these two clubs standing out from the rest. Manchester City is seeking a historic five-peat, a feat never achieved before. In the Champions League, current holder Real Madrid is the favorite, especially after signing Kylian Mbappé. Other top contenders include Manchester City, PSG, Bayern Munich, Arsenal, Liverpool, and Inter Milan, all vying for Europe’s most prestigious trophy. Domestic cups are notoriously unpredictable, but current FA Cup holder Manchester United and Carabao Cup winner Liverpool will aim to retain their respective trophies.

Based on self-assessment, Arsenal has a solid chance of winning the Premier League. An injury-free season would position the Gunners to finally claim the title, having grown and learned from setbacks in the last two seasons. While the Champions League is a tougher competition, Arsenal is expected to make a deep run, at least reaching the quarterfinals. Mikel Arteta should also prioritize domestic cup competitions, as the squad has the depth to succeed.

The fans have been supportive since the start of the rebuild, but their patience is wearing thin, and they crave a major trophy. Pressure is mounting, and a significant trophy would alleviate some of this pressure. As the season commences, hopes are high, and the feeling is that the Gunners can finally bring home some silverware. The team is ready to try again, and the players are in top shape to fight for glory. It’s a matter of whether they have truly learned from past experiences.