As the 2024/25 Premier League season approaches, Arsenal fans are filled with cautious optimism. After finishing second to Manchester City for two consecutive years, the Gunners are gearing up for a campaign that could finally see them usurp their rivals. Under the astute management of Mikel Arteta, the club has made significant strides, and this summer’s transfer business has only bolstered their title credentials.
Their transfer activity has been impressive, addressing key areas and adding depth to the squad. The arrival of defender Riccardo Calafiori has excited fans and more signings are likely, such as Mikel Merino. These additions, combined with a promising pre-season, have set the stage for what could be a historic season at the Emirates.
With a blend of experienced winners and hungry young talents, Arteta’s squad looks more balanced and resilient than ever. The Gunners have shown glimpses of brilliance in their pre-season matches, suggesting they are ready to challenge City’s dominance. As the new season kicks off, the burning question remains: Can Arsenal finally go all the way and lift the Premier League trophy?
Let’s discuss Arsenal
2023/24 Season Recap: Just Falling Short
The 2023/24 Premier League season was a thrilling ride for the Gooners, as they remained in contention for the title until the final day. Mikel Arteta’s side often found themselves in the driver’s seat, showcasing their growth and resilience. Arsenal led the league at various points and consistently battled at the very top. Key performances from Bukayo Saka, who netted 16 goals and provided 9 assists, super sub Leandro Trossard, who impressively added 12 league goals from just 18 starts, were instrumental in keeping the Gunners in the title race.
However, despite their best efforts, Manchester City proved to be just a smidge too good once again. City’s depth and consistency saw them edge out Arsenal, who finished the season as runners-up for the second consecutive year. The Gunners’ campaign included several memorable moments, such as a dramatic late victory over Luton Town and a crucial win against Manchester United that temporarily put them at the summit.
| Position | Team | Points | Goal Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Manchester City | 91 | +62 |
| 2 | Arsenal | 89 | +62 |
| 3 | Liverpool | 82 | +45 |
With their continued progress and a strong summer transfer window, the Gunners are poised to challenge even more fiercely in the coming season.
Summer Business Analysis:
Signings: David Raya (Loan to Permanent), Riccardo Calafiori
David Raya: The standout signing is David Raya, whose loan move from Brentford last season has now been made permanent. Raya was excellent last year, showcasing his ball-playing abilities and progressive goalkeeping style, which are vital for a modern team that plays front-footed football. His composure and distribution from the back have been crucial in their build-up play, making him an indispensable part of Mikel Arteta’s system.
Riccardo Calafiori: Another significant addition is Riccardo Calafiori, signed from Bologna for £35m. The left-sided defender had an outstanding season in Serie A and followed it up with an impressive Euro 2024 campaign. Calafiori brings valuable squad depth and versatility to Arsenal’s defense, providing cover and competition for the left-back position. He’ll compete with Jurrien Timber and Zinchenko on that flank.
Potential Signing: Mikel Merino could still join the club, further strengthening their midfield. Merino’s arrival would add another layer of quality and depth, particularly in central midfield, where his aerial prowess and ball recovery skills would be invaluable.
Outgoings: Emile Smith Rowe, Mohamed Elneny, Cedric
Emile Smith Rowe: On the outgoing side, Emile Smith Rowe, a much-loved figure at the club, has left for Fulham in a £27m deal. This move benefits all parties involved—Arsenal gain a substantial transfer fee, Smith Rowe gets the promise of regular minutes, and Fulham acquire a talented player who is already comfortable in London and the Premier League. It’s a smart move for Smith Rowe’s career and a sign of strategic planning.
Arsenal are looking to accept Fulham's £35m offer to sign English midfielder, Emile Smith Rowe 🔥
— 365Scores (@365Scores) July 25, 2024
Do you think Smith Rowe gets minutes this season? 👀 pic.twitter.com/DQuevI15Ib
Mohamed Elneny and Cedric: Additionally, Arsenal have offloaded Mohamed Elneny and Cedric. While both players have been valuable squad members, their departures indicate Arsenal’s focus on upgrading the squad to compete for titles.
Aaron Ramsdale: There’s still speculation around Aaron Ramsdale potentially leaving as he searches for more regular game time. If this move happens, it would be another example of Arsenal’s willingness to make tough decisions for the betterment of the squad.
Arsenal’s summer business reflects a ruthless efficiency, prioritizing the team’s needs over sentiment. This approach is a hallmark of top teams, showing their commitment to building a squad capable of challenging for major honors. By making shrewd signings and necessary departures, they’re positioning themselves as serious contenders for the Premier League title.
What’s preseason suggesting?
Arsenal have had a busy pre-season so far, with a United States tour seeing them clock up the miles as they face a blend of Premier League and European teams.
| Date | Competition | Home Team | Away Team | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25/07/24 | Club Friendly | Arsenal | Bournemouth | 1 (5) – 1 (4) W |
| 28/07/24 | Club Friendly | Arsenal | Manchester United | 2 (3) – 1 (4) D |
| 01/08/24 | Club Friendly | Liverpool | Arsenal | 2 – 1 L |
| 07/08/24 | Club Friendly | Arsenal | Bayer 04 Leverkusen | 18:00 |
| 11/08/24 | Club Friendly | Arsenal | Olympique Lyonnais | 14:00 |
Although these results don’t appear to be remarkable, a pre-season tour is about much more than results, especially in the early games. Post-Euros and Copa America, many players are still on holiday and the early games are simply an opportunity for younger players or underutilized players to get match experience and fitness.
Instead, the tour is a great opportunity for miscellaneous affairs which the Gunners seem to have taken full advantage of. These include seniors vs. juniors table tennis tournaments, celebrity pictures with Cooper Kupp and Justin Bieber, nights out in Philly, mini-golf and squad bonding. Arteta has reported to the media that the squad camaraderie is at an all-time high. In a long season which requires a tight-knit squad which is willing to run through walls for each other, these non-football elements are actually far more important.
Martin Odegaard meets Justin Bieber as Arsenal play Los Angeles. 🇺🇸
— Men in Blazers (@MenInBlazers) July 28, 2024
Child Stars Un-Anonymous. ⭐️
📹 @Arsenal pic.twitter.com/JGfbDrTHzJ
The real footballing indicator will be the friendlies against Bayer Leverkusen and Lyon, two formidable European sides. By then, players such as Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice will have returned to the squad and Arteta can start to think about fielding a full-strength line-up.
What does Arsenal’s start to the season look like?
They face a challenging start to their Premier League campaign, with several tough fixtures in the opening weeks. Here’s a look at their first five games:
| Date | Competition | Fixture | Kick-off Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saturday 17th August | Premier League | Arsenal vs Wolverhampton Wanderers | 15:00 |
| Saturday 24th August | Premier League | Aston Villa vs Arsenal | 17:30 |
| Saturday 31st August | Premier League | Arsenal vs Brighton & Hove Albion | 12:30 |
| Sunday 8th September | Premier League | Tottenham Hotspur vs Arsenal | 14:00 |
| Sunday 22nd September | Premier League | Manchester City vs Arsenal | 16:30 |
Arsenal’s first five games are quite testing, starting with a home fixture against Wolverhampton Wanderers, followed by a tough away game at Aston Villa. The Gunners then face Brighton & Hove Albion at home before a crucial North London derby against Tottenham Hotspur. The real test comes on September 22nd, when Arsenal travel to face the reigning champions, Manchester City. These fixtures will be a true measure of Arsenal’s title credentials early in the season.
Who will burst onto the scene this year?
Answer: Ethan Nwaneri. This is the guy that everyone is talking about at Arsenal, and this season will be the season in which he takes the jump into men’s football. The young English midfielder made headlines at just 15 years old when he became the Premier League’s youngest-ever player, coming on as a substitute in Arsenal’s 3-0 victory over Brentford in the 2022/2023 season. This versatile midfielder, who can also play out wide, is already a regular for the club’s U21s and is widely considered a future star. His blend of pace, directness, and ability to evade pressure highlights his potential as a modern midfielder.
Nwaneri will undoubtedly look to the paths of Bukayo Saka, Eddie Nketiah, and Reiss Nelson as proof that there are clear routes to the first team at Arsenal. These players have successfully transitioned from the academy to becoming key contributors for the senior squad, providing a blueprint for Nwaneri’s own journey to the top.
ethan nwaneri vs bournemouth (7/24/24) ⭐️ | #AFC pic.twitter.com/gUiIrbYUtA
— 🏜️ (@SimplyAS10) July 25, 2024
Key Player: Bukayo Saka
Bukayo Saka is set to be Arsenal’s key player this season, and for good reason. His stats just keep getting better—last year he notched up 16 goals and 9 assists, showing his knack for both scoring and creating chances. It’s easy to forget that he’s still only 22.
As he continues to grow and mature, Saka is bound to take on even more responsibility and lead the team with his skill and determination. He’s already a standout, and this season, he’s likely to go from strength to strength, solidifying his status as a true Arsenal star. He was kept busy by the Euro 2024 tournament, but he’s been given three weeks off and will use the time to rest and recover before an intense season.
365Scores’ Arsenal Prediction:
In my humble opinion, Arsenal are set to win the Premier League this season. After two consecutive runner-up finishes, it’s time for the Gunners to dethrone Manchester City. No other team has the capability right now—Liverpool have made no signings to rejuvenate their ageing squad, Chelsea are struggling for consistency, and both Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur aren’t on the same level yet. Arsenal, on the other hand, look like the real deal. They finished last season with 89 points and have been smartly building their squad since then. It’s their time.
By Nicky Helfgott – NickyHelfgott1 on X (Twitter)
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