World-class talent across the starting XI. Strength in depth across all positions. A perfect start in Europe. €293.50m spent in the summer.
Say it quietly… Arsenal might just be the best team in the world right now.
The bookmakers certainly think so. Arteta’s men are favourites for both the Champions League and the Premier League – and with good reason.
Last season’s weaknesses were obvious. Poor squad depth and a lack of a genuine goalscoring number 9 cost Arsenal domestically and in Europe.
But both issues were fixed this summer.
Viktor Gyökeres arrived for €65.8m to lead the line. Zubimendi and Eze walked straight into the XI. Madueke, Mosquera, Nørgaard and Hincapié give Arteta the rotation options he’s never had before. Backed by the biggest net spend in Europe since 2024, the Arsenal squad is finally ready to compete on all fronts.
At the back, Timber – Saliba – Gabriel – Calafiori has it all.
Arteta has drilled an impressive defensive shape into the quartet. All four are positionally disciplined and read the play well. Saliba and Gabriel both have the pace and power to deal with any profile of striker, whilst also offering an impressive aerial threat in the opposition box. With White, Mosquera, Hincapié and Lewis-Skelly as able deputies, Arsenal’s season will be built upon the foundation of an impenetrable defence.
The attack isn’t firing on all cylinders yet, but they are still delivering – only City have scored more in the league. Liverpool, a side built on firepower, are level with Arsenal in terms of goals scored. Gyökeres has three already without even looking settled – a sign of what’s to come. The Madueke injury forces more minutes onto Saka, but this time Arsenal look better prepared to cope if their talisman does pick up a knock.
The rivals? Liverpool’s early-season fortune has run dry, with deserved defeats to Palace and Galatasaray exposing defensive frailties and a poorly balanced midfield. City don’t look like the City of old – two league defeats already, defensive gaps and less control in games despite Haaland’s goals.
In Europe, both Real Madrid and Barcelona have defensive frailties that can be exploited. PSG have continued where they left off, whilst Bayern have staked their claim to be considered as contenders.
Yet it is Arsenal who the bookmakers’ are backing to go the distance.
Could this be the season Arsenal finally delivers?
