Arsenal needs to prove their strength without more strikers

Arsenal have parted ways with Leandro Trossard (Besiktas), Gabriel Martinelli (Al Hilal) and Gabriel Jesus (Barcelona). Meanwhile, they only added Christos Tzolis (from Club Bruges). The Greek striker has started in all matches since the beginning of the season for the "Gunners", including the English Super Cup against Man City. Tzolis's quick integration makes Mikel Arteta much more confident in the first leg of this season.

Sharing before the London Derby match with Chelsea, when asked about the club's strength compared to last season, Arteta was confident Arsenal is getting stronger. The Spanish captain said that The Gunners' attack is reaching a higher readiness when all players are healthy.

This is something Arteta could not have in the previous season when Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus were constantly injured, leading to the fact that in many periods only Viktor Gyokeres could be ready to start. Even when the Swedish striker was injured in November 2025, Arteta had to use Mikel Merino for this position and luckily the Spanish midfielder played well.

At this point, the left-footer position of the "Gunners" has been given to Tzolis and the person who will rotate with him is Eze. One is still young, new to the Premier League, the other is not really specialized in this position is the issue that reporters delve into Arteta. However, the 44-year-old coach does not want to conclude too hastily. Arteta said that whether the left-footer position is okay or not needs to be proven by reality on the field. Not only that, the captain of The Gunners said that the team's strength needs to be maintained by all lines, not just aimed at the forward line.

Arteta also shared that always demanding more is normal for everyone and anyone can list a series of desires. However, sometimes those things make us forget the good values we have.

This weekend's London Derby in the 3rd round of the Premier League will be the first big challenge for the reigning champions. Arsenal will face their top target in the recent transfer window, Morgan Rogers. If they beat Chelsea in the context that Rogers is in high form, that is Arteta's affirmation that Arsenal is still getting stronger even though they do not have ultimate goals at the negotiating table.

At this time, the most concerned thing is what starting players will be in Arsenal's midfield at the Emirates to welcome Chelsea? The trio Martin Odegaard - Declan Rice and Myles Lewis-Skelly played together in the starting formation in the previous 2 rounds and may continue to start. However, the rise of Bruno Guimaraes poses a personnel problem for Arteta when Chelsea is identified as a very strong wing attacking team.