The summer it all came together for Arsenal? 

After a busy summer, the Gunners are ready for another tilt at the title. 

TIME IS NOW: Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta who maintains there is a “big belief” within his squad they can achieve their targets over the season. Pic: Nick Potts/PA Wire.

This summer has felt different at Arsenal. From the humid, pulsing nights in Singapore and Hong Kong to early-morning sessions at London Colney, one thing has been unmistakable: belief. Real belief not born from wishful thinking but from careful observation of a squad and a leadership team finally hitting their stride.

Having covered Arsenal for this paper for a decade or three I have seen teams with flair crumble under pressure and gritty units lack inspiration. False dawns and stunning highs pass in a matter of days. This pre-season, assuming it is as informative as it seems, has had an edge recognisable only in truly transformative years. 

This conclusion is from observing five warm-up matches that all had an edge more akin to properly competitive matches, watching the training drills, and speaking with every new signing—Viktor Gyokeres, Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, Noni Madueke, Christhian Mosquera and Kepa—as well as senior players such captain Martin Odegaard, William Saliba and Declan Rice and of course the manager, Mikel Arteta.

The club’s recruitment has been sharp. Gyokeres arrives with a prolific goal-scoring record in Portugal and Sweden and fills a blindingly obvious hole in the NO.9 position. He has what Arsenal have craved, a lethal finish in the box. Arteta has responded by shaping training to focus on speed from front to back, being more direct and targeting delivery into that corridor between the posts where Gyokeres pounces.

Zubimendi brings a calming yet confident control in midfield, a readymade replacement for Thomas Partey, perhaps allowing Rice to push forward with less risk. Norgaard adds not only cover, but bite, a combative option for those gritty away fixtures. Madueke brings flair and unpredictability down either wing. Mosquera strengthens the defence with size and composure. And Kepa, often debated, has arrived with the message that complacency will not be tolerated, even for back-to-back Golden Glove clean sheet king David Raya.

The transfer window is not closed and rumours of further exits and another high-profile arrival are not to be dismissed. The intention is clear: continuous refinement and improvement in every area of the club.

Preseason has not been flawless, however. Organised, deep defences have frustrated Arsenal, slowed momentum and limited chances. But every major club, even Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea, meets that in the Premier League.

That brings us to Arteta’s rival managers. After all, he could get everything near perfect and still not win a trophy this season. Arne Slot has nothing to answer other than ‘can he do it again?’ Manchester City remain under Pep Guardiola and have strengthened too after last season’s relative drop-off. Only a fool would rule them out. Chelsea are reloading aggressively ahead and clearly have a first rate coach in Enzo Maresca. Reporters close to Manchester United relate tales of a harmonious camp, united behind Ruben Amorim and much lifted confidence inspired by their summer transfer activity.

Arsenal now stand alongside Liverpool and Manchester City, Chelsea too, in their ability to rotate without dipping in quality. Bench strength is real. Arteta is finally able to throw on subs who make as much impact as starters, giving Arsenal a chance to mount serious bids across the Premier League, Champions League, and domestic cups. 

There is pressure to make this the season Arteta finishes the job. That may sound harsh. In reality he has reshaped club culture and elevated tactical standards on and off the pitch. He’s respected by everyone inside the club as someone who cares deeply. His only flaw at times is not allowing sufficient freedom to express the team’s full creativity when matches tighten.

When I asked him about expectation, about the talk that Arsenal could and should win major trophies, he smiled and said that if people believe they can, then he must be doing something right. But he was just as clear it is a long road from today until May. His message was that the journey must be enjoyed: every training session, every match. That mantra, while easier said than done, is what he lives by.

Opening the season is no soft test: Manchester United away at Old Trafford. A ground too often unkind to Arsenal. A strong performance there could set an early tone.

Rivals have strengthened. Liverpool are retooling with youth and quality. City remain elite under Guardiola, though perhaps in transition. Chelsea are investing heavily. In that landscape, Arsenal need precision, grit, adaptability and a touch of steel.

My verdict? I’ve learned over the years to refrain from bold predictions. But I will say this: if Arsenal do not convert this depth, clarity, and resilience into at least one major trophy this season it will not be for lack of design, work, or belief. And if they do, this summer’s blend of optimism, recruitment and tactical evolution may be remembered as the moment it all came together.