Do Arsenal Have What It Takes?

The new Premier League season is underway, and it’s already being described as a two-horse race between Manchester City and Arsenal, which has been the case for the last two years. Arsenal have been in the running twice but failed to get over the line. But do they have what it takes this time round to go one step further?

It’s not just pundits and fans alike suggesting it’s going to end up being a battle between City and Arsenal once again in 2024/25; Premier League betting online suggests the same, and as everyone knows, bookmakers aren’t often wrong when it comes to these things. However, Arsenal will have to be better and do better if they’re to wrestle the trophy away from the blue side of Manchester.

Arsenal have become renowned for their targeted recruitment work in the last few seasons, and it continued again this summer. The Gunners turned David Raya’s loan move from Brentford into a permanent switch as expected, with the Spaniard proving a shrewd addition. In-demand centre-back Riccardo Calafiori joined from Bologna, followed by central midfielder Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad, backup keeper Neto from Bournemouth and Raheem Sterling.

The business, in and out, has undoubtedly strengthened Arsenal. They’re a stronger outfit than they were last season, when they went closer to achieving their dream of winning the Premier League title once again. But, there’s one thing missing, and that’s the arrival of a number nine, a proven goalscorer in the elite mould, and this could be a deal breaker where becoming champions is concerned.

Arsenal have strikers and players who can operate in the main central position. Kai Havertz has come on leaps and bounds, and the twenty-five-year-old leads the attack. Gabriel Jesus can contribute, but he’s missed a lot of games through injury. Sterling, a new signing, also played there during his successful time at City. But what City have is Erling Haaland, a player who will undoubtedly once again be the Premier League’s top goalscorer.

So, the answer to whether Arsenal has what it takes is that they may have. But, without an elite goalscorer, it’s always going to be tough, especially as they will continue to challenge on multiple fronts this season. There’s no doubt that Havertz will score goals, and Bukayo Saka will weigh in with his fair share, too, but will it be enough?

Perhaps what happens at City could give Arsenal the advantage. Haaland is City’s only recognised striker, as World Cup winner Julian Alvarez was allowed to leave in search of game time, signing for Atletico Madrid in Spain. Haaland has also missed games due to injury. He started twenty-nine games in the top flight last season, having been available for thirty-two squads.

But Arsenal can’t rely on things to go wrong elsewhere. They have a fantastic team with excellent strength in depth. Somehow, they will have to ensure everyone is contributing on the goals front, at least until January, when they could enter the market for a new striker if they’re in the running for the title.

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