Arsenal fans would like to forget the 2020/21 Premier League season as soon as possible, with the Gunners finishing in a disastrous eighth place.
After failing to ensure European football for the first time in the 21st century, Arsenal face an uphill task of reclaiming elite status in the Premier League.
In addition to a disappointing season, the Londoners are dealing with financial turmoil and will be operating on a tight budget this season. The bookmakers don’t favour them to challenge for the title, with the TonyBet site and other sportsbooks putting Arsenal at 80/1 or thereabouts for winning the league title next season. Top-four is marginally better, with Arsenal ranging from 7/2 to 9/2 – not ideal given the club’s rich heritage.
The fact that only four of Mikel Arteta’s players got the opportunity to represent their countries in the ongoing Euro 2020 suggests the Gunners have a lot of work to do in rebuilding their squad.
Therefore, the new additions are necessary, but the club’s financial state could throw a spanner in the works despite Arteta’s hopes of bolstering his squad in the summer.
Willian and Thomas Partey, who joined the team last summer, struggled to live up to expectations in their maiden season at the Emirates, with the former expected to sever ties with the club soon.
Captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang suffered a massive dip in form since extending his contract in north London.
The 32-year-old forward will need to step up his performance if Arsenal are to stand a chance in the European promotion race next term.
Though the Gunners remain keen on securing another loan deal for Real Madrid whizz-kid Martin Odegaard, Los Merengues are playing hardball with the English team over their sought-after youngster.
While Arteta can draw some confidence from remarkable improvements from young lads such as Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe, there is a genuine need for extra quality at the Emirates.
Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool are linked with a blockbuster move for Kylian Mbappe, which would add a new dimension to the entire Premier League, let alone the Anfield outfit.
Tottenham will undergo some changes this transfer window, with the likes of Miralem Pjanic and Jules Kounde emerging as Daniel Levy’s top targets.
Chelsea and Manchester United did an impressive job down the final stretch of last season, let alone Manchester City, who are already working on improving a top-class roster.
With United adding Jadon Sancho to their ranks and laying the groundwork for a couple of other signings, Arsenal’s hopes of breaking into the final are further derailed.
The Gunners current squad proved they are not capable of coping with the best Premier League sides last season.
So any hope of improving on a disastrous 2020/21 campaign will hinge on their success in the transfer window.
