The offensive site was not immense, but fairly well identified. For several seasons, Arsenal fishing in the finish during major meetings. Since the departure of Aubameyang in 2022, the Gunners no longer have this fox of surfaces capable of scoring more than 25 goals in one season. Hence the arrival of Viktor Gyökeres, who meets this specific need: a real number 9, capable of converting the countless situations created by the Arteta collective.
The former Sporting CP scorer, author of 54 goals all competitions in the past year, arrives with a status as a holder in the axis. Powerful, skillful back to goal, aggressive in the surface, Gyökeres offers a profile that Gabriel Jesus or Kai Havertz have never really embodied. An important, almost surgical adjustment, in an already well -oiled workforce. And this is not the only offensive reinforcement. Arsenal also got hold of Noni Madueke, a hybrid profile, capable of evolving in 10, but also on the wings. One more major asset to supplement Martinelli and Saka.
Precious defensive stability
The great force of Arsenal last year was his defense. And this is where the London transfer window sends a clear message: we do not touch anything. Lewis Skelly, Saliba, Gabriel, White, and Raya in the cages, the defensive base therefore remains unchanged. This desire for continuity is a strategy in its own right. Indeed, this allows Arsenal to keep its automatisms, its tactical rigor and its defensive efficiency. The recruitment of the experienced goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, a former goalkeeper of Chelsea, simply strengthens the bench and ensure a clear hierarchy behind Raya. In a Premier League where coaches validate from season to season, apart from Guardiola, Mikel Arteta is an exception.
Arrived in 2019, the Spaniard was supported despite the difficult beginnings. Five years later, his imprint is everywhere, whether in terms of game, in tactical choices, and in targeted profiles during the transfer window. It is the pillar of the Arsenal project, like Luis Enrique at PSG. Rather than breaking everything after three second consecutive places, the Gunners choose continuity. Many see it as a half empty glass, unable to exceed City or Liverpool. Arsenal is a lot criticized on this aspect on social networks.
A solid and complete workforce
But you can also see it half full: three seasons of progression, three podiums, three second places, and an ever closer team of the coronation. The foundations are solid, and management does not fall into the panic of the short term. The transfer window has not only filled the gaps, it especially densified the workforce. The arrival of Zubimendi enriches an already well -supplied midfielder around Ødegaard, Merino and Rice. The hatching of the young Lewis Kelly, English hope with a box-to-box profile, also confirms the attachment of the club to his DNA.
While in attack, the competition is stronger than ever: Gyökeres, Jesus, Havertz, Martinelli, Saka, Madueke or Trossard… Arsenal now has several high -level versatile players at almost every offensive position. A depth of staff essential to compete with Manchester City and Liverpool, which, too, have been greatly strengthened. Arsenal is therefore more than ever a direct competitor for the coronation of the English championship.
