2023/24 Season: Mikel Arteta and Arsenal have no reason to fail

With a great summer transfer, comes great responsibility…

With the 2023/24 season fast approaching, North London side, Arsenal and its manager, Mikel Arteta now face a serious reality; a reality where they must win the premier league or at least a major trophy no matter what.

After a surprising 2022-23 season, Arsenal now see themselves at a crossroads as they embark on a summer transfer spree aimed at narrowing the gap on reigning Premier League champions Manchester City.

Mikel Arteta, the club’s manager, faces a pivotal season, with expectations high following the team’s impressive progress.

Last season, the Gunners exceeded all expectations, enjoying their best-ever start to a Premier League campaign and positioning themselves as serious contenders for the title.

However, a series of unfortunate results and a failure to maintain consistency ultimately saw their dreams shattered. Despite spending a record 248 days at the top of the table, Arsenal faltered when it mattered most and finished trophyless.

Reflecting on the disappointment, Arteta acknowledged the pain of not winning the Premier League after an intense 10-month battle with Manchester City. Nevertheless, he emphasized the significance of the team’s accomplishments, particularly considering the youthfulness of the squad.

In an effort to build on last season’s promise, Arsenal has wasted no time bolstering their ranks in the summer transfer window.

The club’s ambitious spending began with the acquisition of Germany forward Kai Havertz from Chelsea for £65 million ($82 million). Arteta believes Havertz’s versatility and intelligence will bring significant strength and variety to Arsenal’s midfield, where he is expected to fill the void left by the departing Granit Xhaka.

Arteta’s midfield plans don’t end with Havertz, as the Gunners are on the verge of sealing a British-record £105 million ($133 million) deal for West Ham star Declan Rice.

This substantial investment in a defensive midfielder with limited experience at the highest club level is a risk, but Arteta hopes Rice’s presence will transform the team’s performance. With the reported departure of Thomas Partey, Rice’s arrival is expected to solidify Arsenal’s midfield core.

To further bolster their defensive options, Arsenal is set to secure the services of Ajax defender Jurrien Timber for £40 million ($51 million). The versatile Dutchman’s role within Arteta’s lineup is yet to be determined, but his arrival is a clear indication of the Gunners’ commitment to building a strong squad.

The success of these high-profile signings will be crucial to Arteta’s future at Arsenal. The Spanish tactician has made substantial investments to strengthen the team, and any failure to meet expectations will undoubtedly raise difficult questions.

Arteta also acknowledges the importance of learning from last season’s shortcomings. Injuries and a lack of experience in the dressing room posed significant challenges, particularly during the crucial final stretch of the campaign.

To address these issues, Arsenal has focused on retaining key players and nurturing their winning mentality. The club has secured long-term extensions with Gabriel, Gabriel Martinelli, Aaron Ramsdale, Bukayo Saka, and Ben White, ensuring the core of the squad remains intact.

The Gunners’ emphasis on continuity is complemented by their pursuit of further reinforcements. With the anticipated departures of Partey and Xhaka, Arsenal may need to target additional midfield options. Players like Brighton’s Moises Caicedo, Southampton’s Romeo Lavia, and Celta Vigo’s Gabri Viega have all been linked with the club.

As Mikel Arteta aims to build a team capable of challenging for major honors, the success of these summer transfers will be closely monitored. Arsenal’s financial stability, qualification for the Champions League, and the manager’s unwavering ambition have laid the foundation for a potentially transformative season.

The long-term contracts recently signed by key players reflect the club’s determination to achieve success. However, if the new signings and established stars fail to deliver silverware, scrutiny over Arteta’s decisions and the club’s investment strategy will undoubtedly intensify.

Arsenal fans eagerly await the start of the new season, hoping that the club’s summer transfer activity will be the catalyst for a successful campaign under Mikel Arteta’s leadership.

The upcoming season could prove to be a make or break moment for the Arsenal manager, as he seeks to fulfill the high expectations placed upon him and bring glory back to the Emirates Stadium.