When the final whistle sounded at Vitality Stadium, the entire north of London burst into tears. Arsenal finally returned to the Premier League throne after 22 years of waiting - a worthy reward for a team that has continuously approached the top for many seasons.
Although there are still controversies about VAR or the ability to take advantage of set pieces, it is undeniable that Arsenal is the best team this season. And the greatest credit belongs to coach Mikel Arteta, who brought the club out of the chaotic period to return to the position of an English football power. However, for Arteta, a championship is never the end point.
As soon as the season closes, the Spanish strategist is almost certain to immediately start planning to upgrade the squad. The goal is not only to defend the Premier League title, but also to build an empire capable of dominating for many years to come.
And to do that, Arsenal is likely to have an extremely ambitious summer. The name mentioned most at this time is Eli Junior Kroupi of Bournemouth. The 19-year-old French striker scored against Man City in a match that contributed to Arsenal's coronation - a moment that made him even more noticed at the Emirates.
Kroupi made a strong impression in his first season in the Premier League with 13 goals and is considered a player model perfectly suited to Arteta's system. He can take on both center forward and left-winger roles, possesses intelligent movement, cold finishing and is especially suitable for high-intensity play.
Bournemouth is said not to want to sell their young star for under 85 million pounds. But Arsenal understand that to maintain their number one position, they need talents who can make a difference immediately instead of just adding depth to the squad.
Another big target is Bradley Barcola of PSG. The French winger is considered a significant upgrade compared to Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard in penetration and counter-attack ability. Although no longer the number one choice under Luis Enrique after the appearance of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Desire Doue, Barcola is still one of the most dangerous attacking players in Europe.
Last season, he contributed 44 goals and assists for PSG in all competitions. Arsenal believes that Barcola's speed, technique and explosiveness will help their attack become more diverse in big matches.
However, to make big deals, The Gunners will have to sell players. Andrea Berta, who is currently in charge of transfers, is tasked with improving the ability to liquidate the squad - Arsenal's long-standing weakness. Names like Gabriel Jesus, Fabio Vieira, Christian Norgaard, Martinelli or even Trossard can all be sold if they receive a suitable offer.
Creating a wage gap is also equally important, especially when Arsenal is preparing to enter a period where they need more superstars than rotating players.
The biggest surprise in the "Gunners'" transfer plan may be Sandro Tonali. The Italian midfielder has been linked with Arsenal since January and is still in Arteta's sights. With a price that could exceed 80 million pounds, this will be an extremely expensive deal, but Arsenal believes Tonali is qualified enough to raise the midfield level.
Arteta especially wants to have another midfielder with good fitness and tackling ability to reduce the burden on Declan Rice - who almost has to work continuously this season. Tonali is not only a rotation option but can also form the most comprehensive midfield pair in the Premier League with Rice.
Of course, none of these deals are easy. But that is exactly the thinking that Arsenal wants to pursue after their first Premier League title under Arteta. Their goal is not just to win a season.
