Arsenal Season Preview – it’s all or nothing for the Gunners

The Emirates Stadium is humming with anticipation. Arsenal’s 2024-2025 season was a wild ride: another gut-punch second-place finish in the Premier League, their third in a row, but a thrilling Champions League semi-final run that had fans dreaming of European glory.

Now, as the 2025-2026 season kicks into gear, the question isn’t just whether Arsenal can keep up their momentum – it’s whether they can finally grab that elusive Premier League title and maybe even add some silverware to the cabinet. With Mikel Arteta steering the ship, a squad bursting with talent, and new signings like Viktor Gyokeres and Martín Zubimendi, there’s a buzz around North London. But injuries, fierce competition, and the weight of expectation loom large. Let’s unpack what’s in store for the Gunners.

Nearly there…

Last season was Arsenal in a nutshell: close, yet so far. They racked up 74 points in the Premier League, pushing Liverpool at points but finishing as runners-up for the third straight year. It’s the kind of consistency that makes you proud but also drives you up the wall.

On the European stage, though, they turned heads. Topping their Champions League group, knocking out Real Madrid in the quarters, and only falling to Paris Saint-Germain in the semis was a statement. It was their best European run since 2008-2009, and it proved Arsenal belong among the elite. But injuries, especially in defense, threw a wrench in their plans at key moments, and the lack of a trophy stung. This season, with a beefed-up squad and Arteta’s relentless drive, the Gunners are ready to turn near-misses into celebrations.

What phase is Arteta in?

Mikel Arteta’s sixth season at Arsenal feels like a make-or-break moment. The Spaniard’s transformed the club from a mid-table mess into a team that’s knocking on the door of greatness. His contract’s secure, the board’s behind him, and his vision—high-pressing, attacking football with a solid spine—is clear as day. But let’s be real: three second-place finishes in a row crank up the pressure. Fans are chanting for silverware, and Arteta knows it.

His pre-season talks in Singapore, where Arsenal unveiled their away kit with a bold “ready for new heights” slogan, were all about consistency and resilience. It’s not just about playing pretty football anymore; it’s about winning. Can Arteta finally deliver the goods? That’s the million-dollar question.

Super Team?

Arsenal’s squad is a mouthwatering blend of proven winners, fresh faces, and academy prospects. Bukayo Saka is the pulse of the team, a winger who can change games in a heartbeat. Martin Ødegaard, the captain, orchestrates the midfield with vision and finesse. The defense, anchored by William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães, is formidable when healthy, but last season’s injury woes showed how thin the line can be.

New signings are turning heads. Viktor Gyokeres, the Swedish striker from Sporting Lisbon, is a goal-scoring beast who could lighten Havertz’s load. Martín Zubimendi, signed for £55.8m from Real Sociedad, adds steel and creativity to the midfield. Noni Madueke, a £50m capture from Chelsea, brings pace and trickery to the wings, giving Saka some much-needed competition. Cristhian Mosquera, a young defender from Valencia, bolsters the backline, ready to learn from Saliba and Gabriel. Academy star Myles Lewis-Skelly, fresh off a new contract, is banging on the first-team door, while Ethan Nwaneri is another youngster to watch.

🚨 OFFICIAL 🚨

Arsenal have completed the signing of Noni Madueke from Chelsea, with the English winger putting pen to paper on a 5-year deal ✍️✅

What do you think of this move? 👀 pic.twitter.com/vwMJo4qpTr

— 365Scores (@365Scores) July 18, 2025

But the departures of Thomas Partey, Jorginho, and Raheem Sterling, whose contracts expired, signal a shift to a younger, hungrier squad. The midfield’s a bit green without Partey’s experience, and injuries to Saliba or Gabriel could spell disaster.

Who’s got the tightest backline on the planet right now? 🌍🛡️

Liverpool? Man City? Barcelona? Real Madrid? PSG? Arsenal?

One thing’s for sure — attackers are sweating 😮‍💨

Drop your pick 👇 Who’s the real brick wall in football today? pic.twitter.com/R0gQylYGs1

— 365Scores (@365Scores) July 20, 2025

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Smart Signings

Arsenal’s transfer window has been a showcase of ambition tempered with smarts. Splashing over £140m on Gyokeres, Zubimendi, Madueke, and Mosquera shows they’re not messing around, with Champions League cash and Emirates Stadium revenue giving them room to maneuver. Gyokeres is a proven goal-getter, Zubimendi fills the void left by Partey, Madueke adds flair, and Mosquera’s a nod to the future. It’s a haul that screams intent.

The rumor mill’s been working overtime, too. Arsenal have been linked with Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze, whose creativity could unlock defenses, and Real Madrid’s Rodrygo, a long-shot but a statement signing if it happens. A new goalkeeper’s also on the radar, with David Raya’s inconsistent form raising questions.

Pre-Season Bonding

The pre-season tours to Spain and Asia, plus voluntary training camps in June, were all about getting the squad match-fit early. Arteta’s been hammering home his pressing game and positional discipline, and the new signings are buying in. It’s not about the results; it’s about building chemistry and staying healthy.

But a 1-0 loss to Tottenham Hotspur in Hong Kong, the first North London derby outside the UK, was a bitter pill. Defensive lapses in that game were a wake-up call, echoing last season’s injury-driven struggles.

Arsenal’s Schedule

The 2025-2026 schedule is no joke. Arsenal kick off the Premier League away at Manchester United on August 17, 2025, a brutal opener that’ll set the tone. A trip to Liverpool on August 30 is another early test, and the North London derby against Tottenham on November 22 is already looming large. The Champions League group stage, with opponents yet to be drawn, adds a layer of glamour and pressure. Then there’s the FA Cup and EFL Cup, where Arsenal have a habit of stumbling.Last season’s Champions League run showed they can mix it with Europe’s best, but juggling four competitions will stretch this squad to the limit. Can Arteta keep his key players fit? And will the new signings hit the ground running? These are the questions keeping fans up at night as the season creeps closer

The Money Game and Edu’s Vision

Arsenal’s finances are in rude health. The Emirates is a money-spinner, and Champions League cash, starting at €18.6m for the group stage, plus bonuses for wins, gives them plenty of flexibility. Sporting director Edu Gaspar’s strategy is laser-focused: sign young, hungry players who fit Arteta’s system while keeping an eye on the future. The additions of Gyokeres, Zubimendi, Madueke, and Mosquera are textbook Edu—high potential with immediate impact. But the pressure’s on. Those massive “ready for new heights” posters in Singapore aren’t just marketing fluff; they’re a promise to fans who are fed up with “almost.” Edu and Arteta know one trophy won’t cut it—they need to deliver big.

Arsenal’s Place in the Title Race

The Premier League’s a minefield this season. Manchester City are the perennial juggernaut, Liverpool are fresh off their title win, and Chelsea are looking good. Then there’s Manchester United, Tottenham, and even Newcastle lurking. Arsenal’s got the tools to go toe-to-toe with anyone, but consistency is the key. Last season’s 74 points was a solid haul, but it wasn’t enough. They’ll need to push closer to 80 or more to stay in the race. The Champions League adds another layer of complexity, with the group stage demanding focus and squad rotation. A deep run in Europe could boost morale but also drain energy.

Balancing it all is Arteta’s biggest challenge. And let’s not forget the intangibles. Arsenal’s young squad has grown up together, from Saka to Ødegaard to Lewis-Skelly. There’s a camaraderie that can’t be bought, but it needs to translate into results. The fans, too, are a factor. The Emirates can be a cauldron, lifting the team on their best days but turning tense when things go south. If Arsenal can harness that energy and avoid the injury bug, they’re in with a shout.

The signs are encouraging. Arteta’s a proven tactician, the squad’s deeper than ever, and pre-season’s shown they’re ready to scrap. A top-two finish and a strong Champions League campaign feel achievable, and a cup run could be the cherry on top. But the ghosts of last season linger. Injuries, midfield cohesion, and the mental toll of those near-misses could derail them. Manchester City and Liverpool won’t make it easy, and Tottenham’s revival adds a local sting.

The opener against Manchester United is just days away, and the Emirates will be a sea of red and white, pulsing with hope. Fans will pack the stands, dreaming of glory but braced for the drama that comes with supporting Arsenal. A club that keeps you glued to the action, heart racing, hoping against hope. This could be the season they finally get it right. Or not. Either way, it’s going to be a wild, unmissable ride.

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By Nicky Helfgott – NickyHelfgott1 on X (Twitter)

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