This summer, when asked about his long-term plans for Arsenal, coach Mikel Arteta frankly replied that he did not think far, all goals were focused on the present.
The Spaniard has long considered his tenure a long-term plan. "Believe in the process" has become a slogan at Arsenal, especially during difficult times. "This project will be a great success," Arteta affirmed in early 2021.
Even last season, Arteta admitted that Arsenal were in the fourth phase of a five-step plan to build an era at the Emirates. Whether it is a process, a project or a plan, the ultimate goal is always a very long way away from them.
The Gunners are full of shortcomings, Arsenal fans are exhausted with excuses, and Arteta himself admits: The Gunners have entered the final stages of this era. Next season could shape how Arteta's Arsenal are remembered.
After three consecutive seasons in second place in the Premier League, Arsenal have entered the most exciting transfer period in the club's history. Under new sporting director Andrea Berta, they have signed six new contracts before the end of their tour to Asia. This is a record number of new signings that The Gunners have had before finishing a tour.
The only time Arsenal have signed more than three before the end of a tour was in the summer of three years ago. At that time, they went from the top 4 candidate to the title challenger.
This time, Arsenal is preparing more carefully. Andrea Berta has breathed into the Emirates the "immediate victory" spirit that fans are looking forward to. Arsenal have thoroughly dealt with the problem of squad depth - a weakness that once made them lose steam, even last season.
Bukayo Saka is still an irreplaceable link on the right wing. However, when he was out for 4 months last season, the most successful replacement was Ethan Nwaneri, who was only 17 years old at the time.
Nwaneri is also the only option to replace Martin Odegaard in the six weeks of the Arsenal captain's injury. "Actually, last year we didn't have much depth in any position," Declan Rice admitted during his trip to Asia.
Now, if Saka is absent, Noni Madueke will be ready to guard the right wing. Odegaard's reserve is still the Nwaneri, but a better version after a poor first-team season. With this force, Arsenal have no excuse if they continue to lose everything.
The appearance of Viktor Gyokeres allowed Kai Havertz to drop into midfield without weakening the strength of the attack. Along with that, Mikel Merino and Declan Rice will help Odegaard have more coordination options, regardless of whether the Eberechi Eze deal is completed or not.
"Now, we can choose the most energetic players for each match. Last year, I didn't. And we have played like that for 7 months," said Mikel Arteta during his recent tour of Asia.
According to Mikel Arteta, that limited their ability to rotate and caused the team to lose their freshness at the end of the season. "Hopefully this season will be different. We can choose the strongest squad to face each opponent.
If we want to change the game, whether we win, draw or lose, we have players who are capable of making an immediate difference," the Spanish captain added.
Liverpool may have attracted all attention with one of the most expensive transfers in Premier League history, but Arsenal have also had a rare summer. Not only did they sign more contracts than ever, they also met Arteta's requirements: a squad that was thick enough to have no more empty positions that needed to be patched.
