Predicted position by Guardian writers: 1st (Note: this is not exclusively Ed Aarons’ forecast but rather the consensus among our writers)
Previous season’s standing: 2nd
Prospects
The aftermath of finishing second to Manchester City again has lingered longer this time after giving Pep Guardiola’s team a strong challenge in the Premier League. Despite achieving several club records, including 35 victories in 52 matches, ending the last season without a trophy was a tough pill for Mikel Arteta and his squad to swallow, especially after setbacks against Aston Villa and Bayern Munich within four days proved critical. However, with a fresh season comes renewed hope that a young yet seasoned squad can finally claim the title. Arteta frequently discusses the “fine margins” that determine trophy success at the top level and hopes his players can channel their previous disappointments into motivation for winning the Premier League title for the first time since the Invincibles era in 2004.
The addition of the extraordinarily talented Riccardo Calafiori is expected to strengthen last season’s tightest Premier League defense, providing a solid foundation. The Italian defender is anticipated to resolve left-back issues, while Arteta must also determine the optimal midfield pairing following the record signing of Declan Rice, who excelled in a more advanced position after Christmas, alongside pursuing Mikel Merino for additional depth. Kai Havertz’s standout performances in the new year have eased demands for Arsenal to secure a striker, although the need for further attack reinforcement remains uncertain. Many fans feel that a backup for Bukayo Saka—who played nearly 60 matches for both club and country last season—would also be a valuable addition. Still, Arteta knows, having secured four points from City last season, that his team possesses the capability to achieve even more.
The manager
To unwind, Arteta enjoys afternoons spent meditating or reading books on decision-making, like Malcolm Gladwell’s “Blink”. The meticulous nature of plotting his former mentor Guardiola’s decline must be tiring, as Arteta reportedly wakes up at 5:30 AM each day “focused on winning.” His players adore him, yet he isn’t afraid to make tough calls—such as letting fan favorite Emile Smith Rowe go, now with Fulham. Entering his fifth full season after stepping in for Unai Emery in 2019, Arteta is more motivated than anyone at Arsenal to overturn City’s reign.
Off-field picture
Arsenal’s ownership has considerable financial resources, demonstrated last summer when they invested over £200m in Rice, Havertz, and Jurriën Timber. Kroenke Sports & Entertainment’s worth surged by £2.3bn last year, but plans to invest heavily again have been constrained by profitability and sustainability policies due to the large expenditure from the previous year. Although more signings are anticipated, fringe players like Reiss Nelson and Eddie Nketiah might be sold to maintain fiscal balance. An important element of Arsenal’s success under Arteta has been his excellent rapport with sporting director Edu and co-chair Josh Kroenke, who have been crucial in transforming the squad.
Breakout star
Sustaining an anterior cruciate ligament injury during his Premier League debut wasn’t the best start for Timber’s Arsenal journey. However, the Netherlands international is eager to make an impact and could feel like a new signing for Arteta if he can maintain his fitness. Timber is versatile, capable of competing in both full-back positions, central defense, and even as a midfield pivot. His potential for stunning goals was evident when he scored in his first appearance back from injury with Arsenal’s Under 21s last season. Furthermore, Arsenal supporters will be hoping academy talents Myles Lewis-Skelly, Ethan Nwaneri, and Salah-Eddine Oulad M’Hand also make a notable influence after their promising displays during the pre-season in the United States.
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The A-lister
Martin Ødegaard’s appearance is as impressive as his skills, even if Gabriel Martinelli outshined him in a recent attractiveness poll for Premier League players. Along with Saka, who remains an adored figure for many fans after rising through the club’s Hale End academy, Ødegaard has demonstrated leadership on and off the field, showcasing maturity while addressing the Emirates crowd following the last game of the season. With Norway not participating in Euro 2024, the 25-year-old has had a break and aims to elevate Arsenal’s performance to new heights.
What they did this summer
Rice mentioned he had conversations with Arteta during England’s journey to the Euro 2024 final, although he recognized that his club manager had divided loyalties. Both Rice and Saka need to ensure that the psychological repercussions of losing to Spain do not carry into the new season. Nonetheless, they will be eager to channel any frustrations into attacking Premier League defenses once they regain full fitness. Meanwhile, two Arsenal players named Gabriel, Martinelli and Magalhães, featured for Brazil in a disappointing Copa América, which saw them exit in a quarter-final penalty shootout against Uruguay. Mirroring Saka’s confident penalty against Switzerland, Martinelli nailed his, while Magalhães remained on the bench. Another Gabriel, Jesus, was omitted from the squad.
