As the final whistle blew in their final fixture of the 2024/25 season against already-relegated Southampton, it dawned on Arsenal that they had once again fallen short.
For the third year running, the Gunners have had to settle for second best. They came close enough to dream, yet still out of reach.
The dedicated fans who bought Arsenal tickets from Seatsnet.com to follow Mikel Arteta’s side throughout the season were left to dwell on the lingering question of “what if?”.
Not Arteta though. The Spaniard has chosen to remain tunnel-visioned. Right after the game against Southampton, Arteta was already making plans for the new season.
“Now. Immediately.” That was his response when drilled about preparations for next season. “And the moment I start to think about that, I feel goosebumps and excitement,” he added.
Arteta is one to wear his heart on his sleeve. His raw emotion is tangible in nearly every interview or press conference, and it speaks volumes about his mindset and the mentality he translates to his team.
Six years into the job, and you can make a case for Arteta being one of the most unlucky managers in the Premier League. But there’s no time for self-pity, and he’s fast running out of excuses.
Speaking from the tunnel at Southampton’s Saint Mary’s Stadium after Arsenal’s final match, Arteta refused to reflect on what might have been. Instead, his focus was sharp and forward-looking.
“Tomorrow we already have some things that we are discussing and making decisions,” he said.
“Everything that is planned for pre-season and the first few weeks of the season is already done two, three months ago. So we are now really good. From tomorrow, my day will look already different.
“There are a lot of things to do, but it won’t be, especially with that feeling in my tummy, that [feeling of] a game is coming up. It will be a different one, and that changes everything.”
Arsenal’s growth under Arteta’s stewardship has been clear for all to see. He has taken them from languishing in the bowels of mediocrity to becoming a fearsome contender for major honours.
He just needs to take that final leap and seal his legacy with a major trophy, and for the past few years, it’s been quite clear what he needs to get over the line.
So this summer is another huge opportunity for the Arsenal hierarchy to get him the right tools to go from contender to champions.
For the first time in a long time, it seems the decision-makers agree.
Arsenal co-chairman Josh Kroenke, who watched the Southampton game next to Arteta due to a touchline ban for the Spaniard, echoed the manager’s ambitions.
“We all want to win it,” Kroenke said about finishing second place in the Premier League in a row. “We plan to invest to get behind winning and doing better next season.”
After hearing that, Arsenal fans would be within their rights to be buzzing with expectations, but recent events have taught them not to get their hopes up too early.
Nevertheless, it’s clear Arsenal need that little oomph to end their trophy drought.
So, with the powers that be ready to loosen their purse strings, let’s assess what transfer business Arsenal need this summer.
What transfer business do Arsenal need to do this summer?
Much of the focus coming into the summer window has been on signing a striker who could take Arsenal to the next level, but Arteta has also stressed the need for numbers as well as quality.
If they’re going to dethrone Liverpool next season, they need to shore up every area of the squad.
In fairness, even with a thin squad, Arsenal were unbeaten by the Reds in the Premier League last season, although those who bought Liverpool tickets from Seatsnet.com were treated to a pair of blockbusters.
But Arsenal need to do more than just avoid losing to the champions.
Kieran Tierney and Jorginho waved goodbye to Arsenal fans at Saint Mary’s, while Raheem Sterling and goalkeeper Neto have also returned to their parent clubs.
That trims an already thin squad down to 18 first-team players, which isn’t good enough if Arsenal are looking to challenge on multiple fronts.
Yet, that number could shrink even further. Thomas Partey is in the final year of his contract, leaving the door open to a potential summer exit.
Oleksandr Zinchenko has also fallen out of favour, while Takehiro Tomiyasu continues to struggle with long-term injuries, and it’s only a matter of time before the Gunners cut their losses on the Japanese.
There’s a lot of work to be done from top to bottom. David Raya needs a reliable back-up, and the defence may need reinforcements if Zinchenko follows Tierney through the exit.
But whoever comes in needs to be someone who can elevate the team.
Arsenal are more advanced in their midfield revamp. Swapping Jorginho for Martin Zubimendi, who is heavily linked, would be a smart move.
But the obvious need is in the frontlines. Arsenal’s output dropped last season. In the two seasons before, they scored 88 and 91 goals without a recognised striker. Last term, they managed just 69.
They can’t afford to go into the new season without addressing the elephant in the room.
Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak was a priority target, but that door was slammed shut after the Magpies qualified for the Champions League.
The spotlight is now on RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres, but striking a deal for either of them will be far from straightforward.
Arsenal also need to bolster their options in the wide areas. Bukayo Saka needs a reliable back-up, while the Gunners could do with an upgrade on the left flank.
They need to figure out what to do with Leandro Trossard. He has been an excellent signing, but he’s heading into the final year of his contract and will turn 31 at the end of the year.
Arsenal have been linked with Real Madrid’s Rodrygo. If they can pull off that deal, it’ll be a massive statement of intent heading into the new season.
Athletic Club’s Nico Williams has also been mooted as a potential target. Barcelona appear to be front-runners, while Athletic are also working on keeping him with a new and improved contract.
