No More Excuses – Arteta Must Deliver This Season

When Mikel Arteta took charge of Arsenal in December 2019, he was seen as a long-term visionary — someone who could modernise the club from the inside out. Backed by his tactical education under Pep Guardiola and respected for his leadership during his playing days at the Emirates, Arteta promised a cultural reset. Nearly five years on, the transformation is real — but the silverware still isn’t.

With Arsenal now spending over £200 million this summer and nearing the £800 million mark in total investment under Arteta, the time for excuses has officially passed. The Gunners are no longer a project in progress — they are a team built to win now.

Near Misses and Unfulfilled Promise

Since taking over, Mikel Arteta has taken Arsenal from mid-table stagnation to consistent title contention. But despite that evolution, the big prizes continue to elude him — and each near miss has carried its own sting.

In 2021–22, Arsenal were well placed to return to the Champions League for the first time in six years. With just three matches remaining, they sat fourth and looked on course. But back-to-back defeats to Tottenham (3–0) and Newcastle (2–0) saw them lose control. They eventually finished fifth, two points behind Spurs, after a final-day win over Everton came too late. A campaign that promised resurgence ended in heartbreak.

In 2022–23, the progress was undeniable. Arsenal led the Premier League for a record 248 days, producing some of the most exciting football in Europe. A young squad led by Martin Ødegaard, Bukayo Saka, and Gabriel Martinelli played fearless, fluid football. However, their inexperience showed in the final stretch. A 2–2 draw at Liverpool after leading 2–0, followed by a 3–3 collapse against Southampton, and a 4–1 dismantling at the Etihad by Manchester City proved fatal. Despite being eight points clear in March, Arsenal finished second — five points behind City — after collecting just nine points from their final nine games.

The 2023–24 season brought even greater consistency. Arsenal recorded 89 points — their best tally in the Premier League era — and boasted the best defensive record, conceding only 29 goals. Key wins over Liverpool, Spurs, and Manchester United kept them in the title hunt until May. But again, it wasn’t enough. Manchester City edged them out by just two points, finishing with 91.

The 2024–25 campaign was perhaps the most painful of all — not because Arsenal were poor, but because they were consistent without a cutting edge. They finished third behind champions Liverpool, who sealed the title with four games to spare under Arne Slot, and Manchester City in second. Arsenal lacked a prolific centre-forward, with Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah combining for only 19 league goals. In Europe, Arsenal showed real grit by knocking out Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals, but their run ended in the semi-finals, where they were narrowly eliminated by Paris Saint-Germain. Missed chances and a lack of clinical finishing ultimately cost them.

These four consecutive seasons of “almost” have created a sense of urgency. Arteta has proven he can build, compete, and improve — but he has yet to win a league title or reach a Champions League final. In a results-driven industry, credit runs out fast. And for Arsenal, the window to win while their core is in its prime is open — but won’t remain so forever.

2024/25 ✅
2025/26 🔜 pic.twitter.com/SUUGO0zpiR

— Premier League (@premierleague) June 4, 2025

Over £200 Million Spent: Squad Built to Win

The 2025 summer transfer window has underlined Arsenal’s intent, with the club spending more than £200 million once again. This includes the anticipated £85 million signing of Viktor Gyökeres from Sporting CP, who scored an astonishing 43 goals in all competitions last season, including 29 in the Primeira Liga.

Martín Zubimendi also joins from Real Sociedad for £52 million, bringing composure and intelligence to the heart of midfield. Christian Nørgaard was signed for around £10 million from Brentford, providing defensive balance and Premier League experience. Noni Madueke arrived in a £55 million transfer, adding further firepower and versatility upfront. Meanwhile, goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga joined for approximately £5 million, strengthening Arsenal’s options between the sticks.

These additions follow last summer’s big-money arrivals, including Declan Rice for over £100 million, Kai Havertz for around £65 million, and Jurrien Timber. David Raya’s loan deal was also made permanent for £27 million. In total, Arsenal’s transfer spending under Arteta is now just shy of £800 million.

🚨❤️🤍 BREAKING: Viktor Gyökeres to Arsenal, here we go! Verbal agreement in place between all parties involved.

Sporting accept last bid from Arsenal for €63.5m plus €10m, agent will reduce his commission.

Gyökeres will sign five year deal at #AFC. He ONLY wanted Arsenal. 🇸🇪 pic.twitter.com/qAmrTn7Eax

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 22, 2025

Departures and Discipline

Arsenal’s reshaped squad has also seen some key exits.

Jorginho left the club in June after the expiry of his contract and has since joined Flamengo on a free transfer, taking part in the Club World Cup with the Brazilian side. Thomas Partey also departed at the end of his deal on 30 June. Just days later, he was charged by UK authorities with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault related to incidents between 2021 and 2022. Partey denies all charges and is due in court on 5 August. Arsenal and Arteta have stated they acted appropriately and followed all legal protocols throughout the process.

Additionally, several long-serving or fringe players have moved on permanently. Kieran Tierney, once a fan favourite, left after multiple injury-hit seasons and a lack of regular game time. Nuno Tavares, who struggled to cement his place in the squad, was also sold. Takehiro Tomiyasu, a versatile defender who provided valuable depth but was limited by recurring injuries, departed to seek more consistent minutes. Marquinhos, the young Brazilian winger, left after two loan spells and limited first-team opportunities in North London.

With these exits, Arteta responded decisively. He has rebuilt key areas of the pitch with urgency and intent, bringing in players capable of raising the technical ceiling and maintaining high standards on and off the pitch.

🚨 OFFICIAL 🚨 Takehiro Tomiyasu 🇯🇵 has left #Arsenal with immediate effect 😳 He had agreed a deal with the Gunners to terminate his contract 🗞️ 👋 [ @bbcsport ] pic.twitter.com/CsoGOedMAH

— Arsenal News Channel (@Arsenalnewschan) July 4, 2025

Strength in Every Department

Arsenal now have genuine strength and depth across every area of the squad. The defence includes a solid core of William Saliba and Gabriel, complemented by Jurrien Timber, Lewis-Skelly, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Riccardo Calafiori Ben White, and Jakub Kiwior — offering both versatility and solidity. In midfield, Arteta can now rely on a blend of energy, control, and tactical intelligence with Declan Rice, Martin Ødegaard, Mikel Merino, Kai Havertz, Martín Zubimendi, and Christian Nørgaard all competing for places.

In the final third, Arsenal’s options are equally impressive. Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli remain two of the league’s most dynamic wide forwards, supported by the creativity and impact of Leandro Trossard and the industry of Gabriel Jesus. The additions of Viktor Gyökeres and Nodi Madueke add consistent, clinical goal threats that Arsenal have lacked. Last season, no Arsenal player scored more than 16 league goals, and these signings are expected to address that deficiency immediately.

🚨‼️ Arsenal’s starting XI for the 2025/26 season so far — and there’s still more to come. 👀🔴⚪ pic.twitter.com/e5TQTVZTUN

— FÚTBOL HUB (@futbolhub7) July 18, 2025

A Shift at the Top

While Arsenal have strengthened, so too have their rivals. Last season saw Liverpool return to the summit of English football under Arne Slot, ending Manchester City’s three-year reign and equalling Manchester United’s record of 20 league titles. That success has been followed by an aggressive transfer window, with Liverpool spending over £300 million on talents including Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitiké, and Jeremie Frimpong.

Manchester City, despite losing some key players, remain formidable. However, Arsenal have closed the gap, and with the level of backing and squad development now in place, they can no longer be considered mere contenders— they must be challengers to the very end.

Liverpool fans

THIS IS WHAT WE HAVE SIGNED. pic.twitter.com/S3UnHedbI2

— AS 🇳🇱 (@ArneSlotEra) July 23, 2025

Arteta’s Defining Season

The expectations on Mikel Arteta have never been higher. This season, it is no longer about building or laying foundations — it is about delivering results that match the investment and ambition.

To satisfy those demands, Arsenal must either win the Premier League or remain in contention until the final day. A deep Champions League run, ideally reaching the semi-final or final, is now an essential part of the club’s objectives. Domestically, lifting a trophy such as the FA Cup or Carabao Cup is also expected to solidify progress with silverware.

The mitigating factors that once shielded Arteta — such as youth, injuries, or transitional growing pains — no longer apply. He has the squad. He has the resources. He has the backing.

No More Near Misses

Mikel Arteta has transformed Arsenal’s identity, modernised the playing style, and united a fanbase that had grown disillusioned. He has brought Champions League football back, returned the club to relevance, and made the Emirates a fortress once more. But football, ultimately, is judged on results — and for all the promise shown under Arteta, only one major trophy has been delivered: the 2020 FA Cup.

Another near miss will not suffice. Another second or third-place finish, no matter how valiant, will be seen as falling short. With over £200 million spent this summer and lethal strike options now leading the line, this must be the season that Arsenal finally turn potential into prizes.

No more excuses. Arteta must deliver.