Has Arsenal’s Summer Transfer Business Made It Title Favorites?

Three successive second place finishes have been difficult for Arsenal to digest. Mikel Arteta’s team has come as close as possible to winning the Premier League title without actually winning it and so the Gunners entered the summer transfer window with a clear objective – find new players capable of taking them over the line.

Martin Zubimendi has arrived from Real Sociedad to be Arsenal’s new anchor at the base of its midfield. The Spain international has been signed to be the Gunners’ Rodri-like figure in the centre of the field with Zubimendi proven as one of the best midfield rhythm builders in European soccer at this moment in time.

Viktor Gyokeres is also reportedly on his way to the Emirates Stadium to be the number nine Arsenal has needed for years. The Swedish striker scored 68 goals in all competitions for Sporting CP last season and should theoretically give Arsenal a different dimension in the final third of the pitch. Gyokeres could be a good addition.

Christian Norgaard has arrived from Brentford to provide more depth in midfield. The Danish international is technically comfortable and can play in a number of different roles in the centre of the pitch. Norgaard might not be a first team figure for his new team, but he will be a useful player to have over the course of the season.

Arsenal supporters are less convinced by the prospect of Noni Madueke joining from Chelsea. Widespread reports claim the Gunners are close to signing the England international from their London rivals with Madueke an established performer at Premier League level. However, he plays in a position where Arsenal already boasts Bukayo Saka.

It’s been a busy summer transfer window in English soccer. Liverpool moved quickly to land Florian Wirtz and Milos Kerkez while Manchester City has added Rayan Cherki, Rayan Ait-Nouri and Tijani Reijnders to its squad before the start of the 2025 Club World Cup where Pep Guardiola’s side lost in the last 16.

Chelsea has signed Liam Delap, Jamie Gittens and Joao Pedro with Manchester United moving for Bryan Mbeumo and Tottenham Hotspur spending big on Mohamed Kudus. Morgan Gibbs-White is also expected to pitch up in North London to play for Thomas Frank following the departure of Ange Postecoglou.

The competition at the top of the Premier League table next season will be stiffer than ever, but Arsenal has the foundation of the last three campaigns when it finished second only to Manchester City and Liverpool. Zubimendi, Gyokeres and Madueke would improve Arteta’s team, but will this level of summer activity be enough to make them champions? The proof will be in the table.