Premier League season preview: Arsenal

Arsenal look to build on last season’s second place Premier League finish, but do they have what it takes to become serious title contenders again?

INS: Rob Holding (undisclosed, Bolton Wanderers), Granit Xhaka (£34 million, Borussia Monchengladbach)

OUTS: Mikel Arteta (released), Samuel Galindo (retired), Isaac Hayden (undisclosed, Newcastle), Tomas Rosicky (released)

THE STORY: Death, taxes and Arsene Wenger managing Arsenal. Wenger and his extra-long puffy coat have been patrolling the Gunners sideline since 1996, making him the longest-serving manager in the Premier League. His overall success and trophy count is unquestionably great, but the Premier League is one of the most what-have-you-done-for-me-lately professional sports leagues in the world.

Before back-to-back FA Cup-winning campaigns in 2013-14 and 2014-15, Arsenal had gone nine years without a trophy. Even for a manager who has won two league and cup doubles, helmed the Invincibles (the first top flight English team to go undefeated for a season in over 100 years) and made it to a Champions League final, that trophy drought was enough to get questions about his suitability for the job flowing.

Last season saw Arsenal finish second in the league (one point above bitter rivals Tottenham) in what will be seen by their supporters as a giant missed opportunity. That being said, it appeared at times last term as if only an act of god could have prevented Leicester from winning the title.

Still, the second place finish was encouraging enough and renewed a sense of hope in Wenger. Arsenal supporters, however, are clamoring for their boss to do one specific thing: spend money. Wenger is notorious for keeping his check book locked in a giant safe at the bottom of the Marianas Trench.

There have been signs recently — most notably the signings of Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez, for a combined £72.4 million — that Arsenal are now more willing to loosen the purse springs. This summer saw another eye-catching move — by Arsenal’s standards at least — in the form of Granit Xhaka, who arrives at the Emirates from Bundesliga side Borussia Monchengladbach. His golden left leg was on display at this summer’s Euros, leading plenty of Arsenal supporters to fall in love with the midfielder even before he had officially donned their classic red kit.

But is it enough? Even with Rob Holding joining from Bolton, most Arsenal fans would say no. The most glaring weakness appears to be up front. Olivier Giroud is a solid enough number 9, but he has never been fully welcomed by the Arsenal faithful, and has lacked the production that championship teams need up top. Jamie Vardy — who most definitely produced championship output last season — appeared to be on his way to London before deciding to say with title holders Leicester. Many rumors will surely fly throughout the remainder of the transfer window, and Arsenal have the money to make serious offers, but if history is any indication, Wenger may go into the start of the Premier League season as is.

Attacking prowess is not lacking in this squad, especially in the midfield, where Ozil, Sanchez and Aaron Ramsey have proven themselves among the league’s very best players. Arsenal are in the Champions League and have finished in the top four each of the past five seasons. There are plenty of reasons to be optimistic, but is there anything new that will push Arsenal to the top of the table this season? As of now, it doesn’t look like it.

(Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images) /

KEY PLAYER: He may be the most obvious pick, but Ozil has to play well in order for Arsenal to make any kind of run at the title this season. The German maestro can pick a pass from anywhere on the field. He was responsible for more goals than any other player last season, finishing with 19 assists — that is just one short of the Premier League record set by former Gunners legend Thierry Henry during the 2002-03 season. He and his midfield running mates will have to shoulder a great deal of the scoring burden unless Giroud goes on the scoring run of his life.

MANAGER: In a league where even the most high-profile manager can get the ax in the middle of a season (hi Jose), Wenger has come to appear untouchable. The club has fully bought into his vision and long-term objectives, sticking by the Frenchman through that nine-year trophy drought. This longevity and consistency — along with his preference for playing fluid, “beautiful” football — constitute the main appeal of coming to play at the Emirates.

But how much time does this relationship really have left? Legacy and past success will only carry a Premier League manager for so long. All signs point to a familiar level of success (read: the top four) for the Gunners in the next few seasons, but the absence of a Premier League title during that time may spell the end of Arsene at Arsenal.

BEST CASE: The midfield stays healthy and Giroud and New-Striker-X have great scoring seasons, leading Arsenal to a fight for the title come May.

WORST CASE: Mediocrity settles in this side and its manager, injuries hamper the midfield and Giroud is left adrift up top before moving in the January transfer window. Arsenal finish mid-table.

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