After ending runner as much as Manchester Metropolis the final two seasons, Arsenal figures to be hoping that the third time is the attraction.
However because the 2024-25 Premier League season kicks off Friday, have the Gunners executed sufficient in the summertime switch window to spice up their championship prospects?
Up to now, supervisor Mikel Arteta has solely managed to secure one incoming transfer — Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori.
The membership’s protection was extremely stout throughout the 2023-24 season, solely conceding 29 targets in 38 matches, together with 18 clear sheets. It’s going to now be much more akin to a stone wall with the addition of Calafiori.
Nonetheless, Arteta’s wants are extra urgent up-field.
Arsenal had an expected goals rate (xG) of 1.83 per recreation final season in comparison with champions Manchester Metropolis, which had an xG of two.03 per recreation.
The Gunners are going to want extra firepower in the event that they need to sustain with that Erling Haaland-led juggernaut — notably, they want a surefire striker.
Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus are at present splitting these duties up entrance. Havertz scored 13 occasions in 37 appearances whereas Jesus solely scored 4 occasions in 27 appearances final season.
The one extra incoming switch Arsenal has on the horizon is reportedly midfielder Mikel Merino — however no striker.
Arsenal wants goal-scoring threats and irrespective of how nicely the crew is scoring collectively, the final two seasons have confirmed it is not sufficient.
Till the subsequent Thierry Henry steps onto the pitch on the Emirates, Arsenal might battle to discover a strategy to elevate the league’s trophy for the primary time because the membership’s all-time main scorer final did it himself.