Premier League Preview - Arsenal

Last season, Arsenal promised so much before falling away in a manner that stung. Fifth place constituted significant progress but they should have held on to a top-four spot:

Last Season’s Issues

A lack of depth, and arguably genuine quality, in key positions was the reason the Gunners failed to achieve champions league football.

Coach Mikel Arteta has spent his summer attempting to correct it. His efforts have gained rich rewards. While it cannot be denied that Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko were deemed expendable by Manchester City, they are quality players. Spending around £75m for a pair of proven winners who are entering their peak years looks exceptional value in the current market. Jesus has been flying in pre-season and should add a directness to the centre-forward position that had been lacking.

Arsenal New Signings

William Saliba’s return from an exceptional loan at Marseille gained fewer headlines. However, the French defender will provide quality competition at the heart of the backline. The Portuguese schemer Fábio Vieira, signed from Porto, adds to Arteta’s creative options.

There are likely to be more arrivals: Arsenal are still in the market for a viable wide alternative to Bukayo Saka. Any such deal should see the departure of Nicolas Pepe who has struggled in North London.