With summer in full swing, Arsenal fans have had more than just the sunshine to get excited about.
After years of “almost” moments, the club is making serious moves in the transfer market—closing in on a whopping £200 million spend—to finally bring silverware back to the Emirates.
From blockbuster signings like Martin Zubimendi and Viktor Gyokeres to savvy deals for Noni Madueke and Cristhian Mosquera, it’s clear Mikel Arteta is building a squad designed not just to compete—but to win.
Rebuilding After Near Misses
Arsenal have been painfully close to Premier League glory in recent years—three third-place finishes in a row, and last season they trailed Liverpool by ten points.
The 2023/24 campaign was even more agonizing, as they came just two points shy of Manchester City.
Europe brought a glimmer of hope. The Gunners famously thrashed Real Madrid 5–1 over two legs in the Champions League quarter-finals, reaching the semis for the first time in 16 years.
Still, a trophy has eluded Arteta since his FA Cup win in 2020.
Filling the Attacking Gap
Last season’s Achilles’ heel? Injuries to their entire frontline—Gabriel Jesus, Bukayo Saka, and Gabriel Martinelli were all out for large chunks.
Arsenal were so short on options, Mikel Merino had to play as an emergency striker.
Now with Gyokeres on the brink of signing from Sporting Lisbon and Saka fully fit, Arsenal finally have firepower again.
The Predicted Starting XI: Who Makes the Cut?
Let’s take a look at how Arsenal could shape up next season—with competition heating up across the pitch.
Goalkeeper: David Raya
No surprises here. Raya’s consistency last season—13 clean sheets and a Golden Glove share—makes him untouchable.
Even with Kepa Arrizabalaga coming in for £5 million, Raya remains Arteta’s first choice between the sticks.
Defenders: Lewis-Skelly, Gabriel, Saliba, Timber
Myles Lewis-Skelly had a dream breakout season and has now become a fan favorite.
At just 18, he’s likely to start over Zinchenko and newcomer Calafiori.
Gabriel Magalhães and William Saliba form one of the most rock-solid centre-back duos in the league.
Both signed new deals recently and remain crucial to Arsenal’s defensive strength.
Jurrien Timber, now fully recovered from injury, is expected to hold his place at right-back—especially after shutting down Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior in last season’s Champions League.
Midfield Trio: Zubimendi, Rice, Ødegaard
Martin Zubimendi, signed for £60 million, brings calm and technical brilliance in midfield.
He’s likely to start over his former Sociedad teammate, Mikel Merino.
Declan Rice continues to be the midfield engine, showing flashes of brilliance both defensively and in attack.
His two stunning free-kicks against Madrid were moments of pure class.
Martin Ødegaard, fresh off his wedding and still only 26, remains captain and playmaker.
While his output dipped slightly last season, his leadership is irreplaceable.
Wingers and Striker: Saka, Gyokeres, Martinelli/Eze
Bukayo Saka is back. Despite missing four months due to injury, he still racked up 26 goal contributions.
He’s a nailed-on starter on the right wing.
Viktor Gyokeres is expected to lead the line, replacing the often-injured Jesus.
After scoring a ridiculous 54 goals for Sporting last season, he’s got fans dreaming big.
Gabriel Martinelli could face stiff competition from potential new arrival Eberechi Eze, who’s shown more finesse on the left and impressed with eight goals and eight assists at Crystal Palace.
The left wing might become the most hotly contested spot.
Who Might Miss Out?
With all this new talent, someone has to make way.
-
Mikel Merino, Arsenal’s makeshift striker last season, might now drop to the bench despite his heroic efforts.
-
Christian Nørgaard, a £15m arrival from Brentford, will be useful for rotation but unlikely to start ahead of Rice or Zubimendi.
-
Kai Havertz posted decent numbers but could lose his place due to the incoming competition.
-
Noni Madueke, arriving from Chelsea for £52m, faces a challenge to win over fans and earn a regular role on the wings.
-
Cristhian Mosquera, a £13m defensive recruit, will back up Saliba and Gabriel—not start ahead of them.
Arteta’s Arsenal Finally Look Ready
This could be the season Arsenal break their trophy curse.
With a deeper squad, elite signings, and a motivated core, all eyes will be on Arteta to finally deliver.
The Gunners kick off their campaign against Manchester United—and they’ll be hoping it’s just the start of a title-winning journey.