Arsenal will head into the 2023/24 season with plenty of pressure on their shoulders after embarking on a wild summer spending spree.
The Gunners have splashed out around £200 million on new players in a bid to improve their chances of winning silverware next term.
Mikel Arteta’s team mounted a strong challenge for the Premier League (EPL) title last season, but were eventually overhauled by Manchester City on the run-in.
Underwhelming performances in the domestic cups and Europa League highlighted that Arsenal still have plenty of room for improvement.
The Gunners have been on extremely friendly terms with the bookmakers in recent seasons, with the club last winning silverware in 2019/20.
However, all of the top online bookies in the United Kingdom and Ireland rate them as the team most likely to challenge Man City for the EPL title next season.
While plenty of punters will be willing to wager on them, there are several good reasons why it may pay to look elsewhere for City’s main title rivals.
Arsenal’s summer transfer business is undoubtedly a cause for concern, with question marks hanging over the three big signings they have made.
They have spent £100 million on signing Declan Rice from West Ham United, but may regret splashing out such an outlandish sum on the midfielder.
While Rice is a decent enough player, there is no evidence to suggest he warrants such a hefty price tag, despite the inflated nature of the transfer market.
The 24-year-old has a nasty habit of going missing in big games and Arsenal cannot afford that to happen if they are to challenge for silverware.
Another £65m has been spent on signing Germany international Kai Havertz – a player who largely failed to live up to expectations during his time with Chelsea.
Arteta plans to use Havertz in a midfield role, but it is hugely debatable whether he possesses the skillset to flourish in that position.
Jurrien Timber’s £34m move from Ajax is less of gamble, although there are no guarantees he will be successful in the Premier League.
Former teammate Lisandro Martinez has been a big hit since joining Manchester United, demonstrating that it is possible to make the transition from the Eredivisie.
However, Donny van de Beek’s struggles with the Red Devils should serve as a warning to anyone who thinks Timber is nailed on to shine at Arsenal.
Another major issue the Gunners will face next season is the strength of the competition, with several clubs likely to be vying for honours.
Man City are sure to be in the mix, while Man United look certainties to improve in their second season under manager Erik ten Hag.
Liverpool and Chelsea should also be in contention as they bid to bounce back from their disappointing seasons last time around.
Newcastle United and Aston Villa are among the other clubs who could challenge for the top four if they build on the progress they made in 2022/23.
Arsenal showed last season they are on the right track, but taking the next step has often proved difficult for other clubs in the past.
The huge outlay in the transfer market will increase expectations among the fanbase, which will crank up the pressure on the players.
Having being backed with cash this summer, Arteta must deliver at least one major trophy if Arsenal’s season is to be viewed as a success.
