Arsenal’s 2024-25 campaign has concluded with familiar feelings of what might have been. Despite showcasing exceptional quality throughout the season, Mikel Arteta’s side once again found themselves in the position of runners-up, falling short in their pursuit of Premier League glory. The statistics paint a stark picture of the squad’s limitations: only 25 players featured in Premier League action, with merely 22 making more than a single appearance or start. Even more telling is that just 19 players accumulated over 600 minutes of playing time across the season.
This narrow squad depth proved costly as Arsenal navigated the demanding schedule of four competitions. The physical and mental toll of Champions League participation, combined with domestic commitments, stretched the core group of players beyond their limits. While Liverpool eventually pulled away in the title race, Arsenal’s challenge was hampered by their inability to rotate effectively without compromising quality.
The responsibility now falls to Andrea Berta, Arsenal’s sporting director, to address these structural weaknesses. Arteta’s ambitions remain unchanged – to transform Arsenal from perennial second-place finishers into genuine title winners. However, both manager and club hierarchy understand that such transformation requires significant investment and strategic planning.
Unlike the modest squad adjustments of 2023 and 2024, Arsenal are preparing for a comprehensive summer overhaul reminiscent of the major rebuilding phases of 2021 and 2022. With deficiencies evident across multiple positions, the upcoming transfer window represents a critical juncture in the club’s evolution under Arteta’s stewardship
Arsenal’s goalkeeping department presents one of the most pressing concerns heading into the summer window. The transition from having two competing number ones in David Raya and Aaron Ramsdale to relying almost exclusively on Raya has left the squad dangerously thin in this crucial position.
David Raya’s consistent availability throughout the season masked what could have been a catastrophic situation. Behind the Spaniard, Arsenal’s options were limited to Bournemouth loanee Neto and promising but inexperienced teenagers Tommy Setford and Jack Porter. While both young keepers are highly regarded within the academy system, neither possesses the experience or proven quality required to step into Premier League action at short notice.
The delicate balance between maintaining squad harmony and ensuring adequate depth has proven challenging. Arteta’s experience managing the Raya-Ramsdale dynamic demonstrated the difficulties of keeping two ambitious goalkeepers content when only one can play. However, the alternative – operating with insufficient cover – poses even greater risks.
The solution requires identifying a goalkeeper who accepts a supporting role while maintaining the quality standards necessary for occasional Premier League appearances. Joan Garcia of Espanyol has emerged as a potential target, representing the profile Arsenal seek: experienced enough to be trusted in crucial moments, yet realistic about his role within the squad hierarchy.
This goalkeeper addition represents more than just squad depth; it’s about creating a professional environment where competition drives standards while ensuring the club never finds itself one injury away from crisis
Arsenal’s defensive structure requires significant reinforcement across multiple areas. The central defensive partnership, while solid, lacks the depth needed for sustained excellence across four competitions. William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes have formed an impressive duo, but their absence through injury or suspension exposes the squad’s vulnerability.
The need for a third center-back of comparable quality has become increasingly apparent. Arsenal’s title ambitions cannot be derailed by the unavailability of key defensive personnel, yet current alternatives lack the proven Premier League experience necessary for high-stakes matches.
At full-back, the situation demands even more urgent attention. Bukayo Saka’s brilliance on the right wing has masked some defensive frailties, but the lack of natural attacking threat from the full-back position limits Arsenal’s tactical flexibility. The left-back position, in particular, requires strengthening, with current options failing to provide the consistent attacking impetus that modern football demands.
The summer recruitment in defense must balance immediate impact with long-term planning. Targets should possess the technical ability to contribute to Arsenal’s possession-based approach while offering the physicality and mental strength required for Premier League competition.
Arsenal’s midfield has been the foundation of their recent success, but evolving tactical demands require fresh investment. The central midfield trio has shown remarkable consistency, yet the intense schedule and tactical evolution of the Premier League necessitate additional options. The deep
