After finishing runner up to Manchester City the last two seasons, Arsenal figures to be hoping that the third time is the charm.
But as the 2024-25 Premier League season kicks off Friday, have the Gunners done enough in the summer transfer window to boost their championship prospects?
So far, manager Mikel Arteta has only managed to secure one incoming transfer — Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori.
The club’s defense was incredibly stout during the 2023-24 season, only conceding 29 goals in 38 matches, including 18 clean sheets. It will now be even more akin to a stone wall with the addition of Calafiori.
However, Arteta’s needs are more pressing up-field.
Arsenal had an expected goals rate (xG) of 1.83 per game last season compared to champions Manchester City, which had an xG of 2.03 per game.
The Gunners are going to need more firepower if they want to keep up with that Erling Haaland-led juggernaut — particularly, they need a surefire striker.
Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus are currently splitting those duties up front. Havertz scored 13 times in 37 appearances while Jesus only scored four times in 27 appearances last season.
The only additional incoming transfer Arsenal has on the horizon is reportedly midfielder Mikel Merino — but no striker.
Arsenal needs goal-scoring threats and no matter how well the team is scoring collectively, the last two seasons have proven it’s not enough.
Until the next Thierry Henry steps onto the pitch at the Emirates, Arsenal may struggle to find a way to lift the league’s trophy for the first time since the club’s all-time leading scorer last did it himself.
