Transfer leverage

Arsenal spent more than 200 million euros on 6 new players in all lines, a figure that puts them in the top spending group in Europe.

Viktor Gyokeres is a typical deal, because Mikel Arteta rarely pursues a pure “number 9”: tall, strong, likes to press and is good at turning his back on the opponent's goal.

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Gyokeres provides an important scoring solution for Arsenal. Photo: Imago

If Arteta previously believed in switching positions, using “false 9s” to drop deep and stretch the opposition defence, now Arsenal want a clear destination in the penalty area.

This not only helps resolve deadlocks against opponents who play deep, but also creates more space for speedy players like Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli or Noni Madueke – another new signing from Chelsea.

Madueke brings a unique attacking plan to the flank, combining with Gyokeres to open up a scenario where Arsenal attacks more directly, instead of being too dependent on layered ball deployment from the back line.

Key to controlling the match

Bringing in a striker, Arteta did not neglect his core value: ball control. The appearance of Martin Zubimendi was a clear tactical message.

Zubimendi is an intelligent holding midfielder who knows how to control the tempo and escape pressing, allowing Arsenal to maintain the initiative even when being pressed.

Last season, Arsenal sometimes ran out of steam in big games when Declan Rice was isolated, or forced to play defensively.

Now Zubimendi can share the organizational burden. When he needs muscle, Arteta can bring on Christian Norgaard – a Premier League veteran who can clean up the midfield but still be creative.

Arteta is aiming for a midfield structure that is both combative and ensures superior ball possession. This will help them be more stable when losing the ball, avoiding dangerous counter-attacks.

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Zubimendi improves the quality of Arsenal's midfield. Photo: Imago

Parallel strategy

In addition to the new contracts to increase immediate strength, Arsenal continue to bet on the future. The extension of Ethan Nwaneri is a turning point.

The 17-year-old talent – ​​who holds the record for the youngest player to appear in the Premier League – is considered the crown jewel of the Hale End academy.

Keeping Nwaneri to avoid the attention of the "big guys" of English and European football is also an important message: Arsenal wants to build a sustainable foundation, not only buying but also creating stars themselves.

New signing Cristhian Mosquera is also a solution for the future. The 21-year-old Spanish center-back is a long-term investment for the defense, both to rotate and to be ready to replace when the pillars have physical problems.

Meanwhile, Kepa Arrizabalaga helps David Raya reduce his workload, focusing on his Premier League and Champions League ambitions.

Championship Mission

With the current squad, while Arteta still wants Eberechi Eze or Rodrygo, Arsenal is considered by experts to be one of the two most promising candidates for the championship.

The Gunners have a depth that they never had a few seasons ago: a diverse attack, a controlling midfield, and a defense with enough rotating personnel.

The remaining problem lies in the integration of the new recruits. Gyokeres needs to quickly adapt to the pace of the Premier League , even though he is used to English football (playing in the Championship with Swansea and Coventry).

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Winning the Premier League is a must for Arteta. Photo: Imago

Zubimendi must get used to the physical pressure of a club competing for major trophies, not the modest Sociedad. Madueke needs to maintain a stable fitness – something he lacked at Chelsea.

If all the pieces fit together before Christmas, Arsenal could well go into the second leg in a commanding position.

Arteta himself needs to learn the lesson of last season: going far in the Champions League, but running out of steam in the Premier League, and ultimately coming up empty-handed.

Arsenal have to split their efforts for the Champions League, where psychological pressure is always a harsh test. Making the most of their squad depth will determine whether they can maintain their stamina for the long run.

It all depends on Arteta's tactics and personnel decisions.

The Kroenke family, Arsenal's owners, are reaching the end of their patience. Fans are excited about the transfer policy and will wait until spring 2026 to witness the trophy parade at the Emirates.

It is not just a hope, but a duty for Arteta. It has been more than two decades, since 2004, now is the time to be crowned.

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/premier-league-2025-26-khai-man-thoi-co-cua-arsenal-2431932.html