Arsenal are bracing for yet another season of near-misses. A win against Newcastle United this weekend would all but confirm second place in the Premier League, unless there’s an extraordinary goal difference shift on the final day.
If confirmed, it would mark the third consecutive campaign in which the Gunners finish as runners-up, once again falling short behind their rivals. After closely trailing Manchester City in the previous two seasons, it is now Liverpool who have claimed the title, a full 15 points clear of Mikel Arteta’s squad.
While Arsenal reached the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League, an improvement from last season, Arteta has conceded that their domestic form has dipped.
“In the Premier League, we’ve gone a step backwards,” Arteta admitted last week. “It’s obvious we haven’t done as well as last season. The Champions League? Yes, we’ve improved, but we want to win it. That’s the goal.”
He added: “Of course, it hurts. If it doesn’t hurt, then you don’t love winning the way I do. But we need to understand what happened.”
Summer Shake-Up: Transfers Loom
With the season drawing to a close, all eyes are now on the summer transfer window. Arsenal are expected to prioritize signing a new striker following injury setbacks to Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus, which hit the team at crucial moments.
However, retaining key players may prove just as important.
Reports suggest French defender William Saliba wants assurances about Arsenal’s ambition, with Real Madrid reportedly circling. Saliba, regarded as one of the Premier League’s top defenders, has two years left on his contract.
He’s formed a solid partnership with Gabriel Magalhães, whose future is also uncertain. The Brazilian defender is reportedly being courted by Saudi Pro League club Al Nassr, with a lucrative offer that could triple his current salary.
Both defenders have two years remaining on their deals, a timeframe often considered prime for clubs to sell and maximize value. The worst-case scenario for Arteta would be losing both Saliba and Gabriel in one transfer window, a blow that could derail next season’s title hopes.
Can Arsenal hold onto their stars and finally take the last step next season?
