If you’ve been betting on Arsenal over the last decade or so, then you know it’s been a real up-and-down affair. Arteta’s tenure has brought many domestic successes and turned the Gooners into genuine title hopefuls once again, which is something that we have been unable to say for a long time.
Last year, Liverpool ran away with the title. If Arteta’s men are to stop the same thing from happening again, then addressing the issues that have lingered up top was the first, and most obvious, starting point in the summer transfer window.
Solving the Problem Up Top
Multiple strikers were linked with a move to the Emirates over the summer. There was a time when large sections of the faithful thought Isak was en route. Later, there were talks of Victor Osimhen, which gathered a lot of traction.
For some, Viktor Gyokeres was a bit of an anticlimactic signing, with some of the more Hollywood signings being preferred. Let’s give the Swedishman some credit here. He started with three goals in four games, looking very dangerous. We’re sure the goal frame is still rattling from the absolute cannon he thudded against the post against Forest. He seems much livelier and offers a different style of play to some of the disappointments we’ve seen lead the line over the last decade and a half.
Despite Viktor flying out of the traps, it’s hard to look past Erling Haaland as the eventual Golden Boot winner. Taking a glance at the 2025/26 Premier League top scorer odds, it appears as though the bookies agree. They’ve already got him at odds of less than evens after a handful of games.
Barring any major injuries or issues, it’s hard to argue this fact. That said, if City did lose him through injury, it would be a massive blow to their title hopes. Many pundits and experts believe the current Arsenal squad has more depth across the attacking positions, with the wings and midfielders who can chip in with a few goals.
Chipping in from Elsewhere
Take a moment to look at some of the teams that have won the Premier League over the last decade. While they may have had a talisman upfront who scored a couple of dozen goals, they’ve had players from all over the pitch who have been able to contribute at essential moments.
There’s no denying that Saka is one of the finest players the Arsenal academy has ever produced. While there are definitely a few contenders for that crown, the emergence of Ethan Nwaneri and Lewis-Skelly in the current squad highlights just how much emerging depth there is as Arsenal looks to finally move beyond being once more the bridesmaid and secure their first title in two decades.
Last year, Kai Havertz contributed 14 goals, a phenomenal stat for a player not considered an out-and-out striker. While this is great, if you want to push for the title, you need an out-and-out striker playing in front of him, which is what many Gooners hope for from Gyokeres. The fact that he has been injured for the first few games is not a good omen, either. Although he might hit the ground running once he is back in action.
New Summer Signings – The Final Piece of the Puzzle?
Imagine the disheartening experience the Spurs had, approaching a player to see if he wants to sign for them, only for him to call their archrivals, saying he wants to play for them instead. While no Arsenal fan would’ve felt bad for Tottenham here, they hope this is a gamble that pays off.
Eze is a remarkable talent, but he comes with a hefty price tag. If he can chip in half a dozen goals and assists this season, this could be the final piece of the puzzle for Arteta’s men to finally come out on top at the end of the season.
It’s not all on the ex-Crystal Palace man’s shoulders, of course. Noni Madueke signed and has been a strong addition to the squad. He’s also played a pivotal role in England’s attack, too, which bodes well for the rest of the season. Nobody will be crying about the price tag in May if he delivers this season, and he’s already made a positive start.
Zubimendi might be a low-lying midfielder, but he’s already picked up a couple of goals in his first few games. If they can keep generating goals right across the front line and midfield, then Arsenal could see a few players reach double figures rather than having one sole goal scorer at the front dominating the scoring charts.
Summary
Although there have been exceptions over the years, such as Luis Suarez at Liverpool, a top scorer is rarely able to catapult a team to title honours completely on their own. So long as Arsenal can keep the core of their squad injury-free, and these players can chip in and work together, it will be intriguing to see how it all plays out at the end of the season.