Guardian writers’ predicted position: 2nd (NB: this is not necessarily Ed Aarons’ prediction but the average of our writers’ tips)
Last season’s position: 2nd
Prospects
Mikel Arteta vowed this would be a “big summer” after finishing as runners-up in the Premier League for a third season in succession and the new sporting director, Andrea Berta, has delivered on a number of signings in his first transfer window. The question now for Arsenal supporters is whether Martin Zubimendi, Christian Nørgaard, Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres, Cristhian Mosquera and Kepa Arrizabalaga can help them take that elusive final step to becoming champions for the first time since the Invincibles in 2004.
The arrival of Gyökeres will certainly quieten the clamour for a new No 9 that has rumbled on for several years, although the pressure will immediately be on the Sweden striker to hit the ground running. Longstanding target Zubimendi should provide metronomic accuracy at the base of a new-look midfield that Arteta will hope can continue to get the best out of Declan Rice and rejuvenate the captain Martin Ødegaard, while Madueke will surely provide much better back-up for their talisman Bukayo Saka than Raheem Sterling managed last season and could also push Gabriel Martinelli for a starting place on the left flank.
But even with the teenage sensations Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri having committed their futures to the club after enjoying outstanding breakthrough seasons, there remain concerns about a lack of creativity in the squad. A move for Crystal Palace’s FA Cup hero Eberechi Eze could depend on players departing before the end of August to balance the books.
Yet while Arsenal may end up paying more than £200m for the additions to their squad so far, seeing champions Liverpool comfortably outspend them after finishing 10 points ahead last season has left many fans wondering if they have gone far enough. The squad definitely looks stronger than this time last year but with other rivals also closing in, it could be make or break for Arteta.
The manager
Ending yet another campaign without silverware was a bitter pill to swallow for Arteta, who celebrated his fifth anniversary in charge just before Christmas. A solitary FA Cup a few months later is not a fair reflection on the progress Arsenal have made since then – especially given the run to the Champions League semi-finals last season – but Arteta knows he will be ultimately judged on delivering titles. He made no secret of his frustration over the lack of cover in Arsenal’s squad as the injuries mounted up last year. With plenty of reinforcements now added, Arteta must seize his opportunity.
Off-field picture
The surprise departure of Edu Gaspar in November disrupted plans for the January transfer window but Berta has provided some fresh perspective since joining in March. Arsenal’s American…
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