Arsenal have re-established themselves as contenders in the Premier League, domestically, and in Europe under Mikel Arteta. Yet, despite their resurgence, tangible success in the form of trophies and titles continues to elude The Gunners. As they look ahead to the 2025/26 campaign, what must Arsenal do different or better to add to their trophy cabinet?
Strengthen Squad Depth in Key Positions
Arsenal undoubtedly have one of the best starting XIs in world football. However, depth has been a persistent concern. Injuries to key players such as William Saliba and Martin Odegaard have, in the past, exposed a lack of adequate replacements.
Similarly, a reliable backup for a player like Bukayo Saka is essential. The England winger has suffered with injury recently, and there’s been an overreliance on him. What Arsenal need to do is add quality in depth, rather than just numbers and they will be hoping Noni Madueke and Cristhian Mosquera can do just that.
Find the Right Striker
Arsenal already have Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus in their squad, but with Jesus sidelined until the end of 2025 through injury, and Havertz better suited to a hybrid role, the need for a reliable, clinical striker has been pressing. While chance creation hasn’t been an issue under Mikel Arteta, consistent finishing has repeatedly let the side down in decisive moments.
The club have now addressed that concern with the signing of Viktor Gyökeres, ending any lingering interest in Benjamin Šeško. Arsenal believe they’ve secured a forward capable of delivering 20+ goals per season at the highest level.
Capitalise on a Favourable Window
Arsenal will never have a better chance than this summer to get ahead of the game on the transfer front. Manchester City and Manchester United are rebuilding, Chelsea are still a bit all over the place, and others are playing catch up. The Gunners don’t need to do massive work; they just need a couple of key pieces, primarily.
The trajectory of the team is positive, and football betting odds favour them as one of the leading contenders for silverware next term, but they have to get this window right. They can’t let this opportunity pass them by.
Tactical Maturity in Big Games
There’s no doubt that Arsenal have improved under Mikel Arteta, with the Spaniard’s blueprint there for all to see. However, in decisive moments, The Gunners can struggle to adapt in real time to situations.
Arsenal lost both Champions League semi-final legs to Paris Saint-Germain, and it’s crucial they learn from what went wrong. There must be learning from Arteta, his staff, and the players. It will help them to improve when the big games come around again in 2025/26.
Final Thoughts
Arsenal last bagged some silverware in 2020, and the wait for more goes on. Under Mikel Arteta, The Gunners have become a force to be reckoned with once again, and they’re getting closer and closer to the success they desire. If they get things right this summer in the transfer market, and make the necessary tweaks, who says 2025/26 can’t finally be their year?