Arsenal have ended a 22-year wait for a Premier League title, but the path to glory could have looked very different under alternative circumstances.
Mikel Arteta and transfer chief Andrea Berta made a bold statement in the summer window, spending roughly £250million to bring in new recruits across key positions.
Martin Zubimendi, Viktor Gyokeres and Ebere Eze all arrived for fees north of £50million, signalling serious intent from a club tired of finishing as runners-up.
Arsenal had endured three consecutive runner-up finishes before this campaign, making the pressure on Arteta and the board immense heading into the summer.
A 2-1 defeat to Manchester City on April 19 left Arsenal three points behind their rivals with a game in hand, threatening to extend that unwanted sequence.
Instead, the Gunners won their final five matches and finished the season seven points clear of City, ending the long wait for a top-flight title.
Alexander Isak had been a long-time Arsenal transfer target, but the Sweden striker ultimately moved from Newcastle to Liverpool for a Premier League record fee.
By the time Isak arrived at Anfield, Gyokeres had already scored his first Premier League goals in North London, though the Swede did blow hot and cold throughout the campaign.
Gyokeres still outscored Isak 14 goals to three in the league after the Liverpool striker struggled with injury during a disrupted debut season.
Rodrygo was another long-time target, having appeared surplus to requirements at Real Madrid following Xabi Alonso’s arrival as manager at the club.
Arsenal were put off by a £77million asking price and instead moved for Noni Madueke, who delivered big moments without necessarily being a difference-maker in the most important fixtures.
Rodrygo endured a difficult campaign, playing barely 1,000 minutes in all competitions before suffering a cruciate ligament injury that will also keep him out of the World Cup.
Injuries had derailed Arsenal’s previous title challenges, with Kai Havertz’s absence during the second half of last season cited as one damaging example of their vulnerability.
Former Arsenal star Robert Pires had warned in September that time was running out for Arteta, speaking candidly to Foot Mercato about the manager’s future at the club.
“In my opinion, if Arsenal don’t win a trophy this year, the management will consider finding another coach,” Pires said, highlighting the mounting expectations surrounding the squad.
“He’s been here for five years and unfortunately, the title has eluded him. What’s important for the fans is the league title,” the former midfielder added pointedly.
“Money was spent in the summer transfer window. He made certain demands, which the Arsenal board has met. If Arsenal don’t win the league, I think there will definitely be a change on the bench,” Pires continued.
A pair of domestic cup setbacks during the season briefly created doubt over Arteta’s position before City’s draw at Bournemouth confirmed the title was heading back to the capital.
Arsenal have also booked their place in the Champions League final, meaning Arteta stands on the brink of an extraordinary double to cap a landmark campaign.
The summer transfer decisions, ultimately, proved the difference between another agonising near-miss and a season that will be remembered for generations by Arsenal supporters.
