Arsenal’s Decline: From FA Cup Glory to Premier League Mediocrity
Arsenal’s victory over Chelsea in the FA Cup was seen as a turning point, promising a new era under the guidance of Mikel Arteta. However, while Chelsea surged ahead—reaching the FA Cup and Champions League finals—Arsenal struggled, slipping into a tradition of underachievement. The Gunners found themselves ranked alongside mid-table teams like Everton, Leeds, and Aston Villa, a stark contrast to their prestigious past. With the club teetering on the edge of missing out on European football for the first time in over 20 years, it’s clear that Arsenal’s challenges run deeper than a disappointing season; they point to a systemic malaise both on and off the pitch.
Transfer Failures and Over-Reliance on Academy Talent
Arsenal’s woes begin at the top. Ineffective player recruitment has left the team heavily dependent on their younger players, most notably those under the age of 23 who have been consistent bright spots in an otherwise bleak campaign. While developing youth is important, Arsenal’s lack of experienced leaders has been glaring, especially in comparison to rivals’ transfer strategies.
Chelsea’s signings of Hakim Ziyech, Edouard Mendy, Thiago Silva, Timo Werner, and Kai Havertz have paid off handsomely. In contrast, Arsenal brought in Willian, Thomas Partey, Gabriel, and William Saliba—with far less impact. Furthermore, the handling of young talents has raised eyebrows. Decisions to loan out promising midfielders like Matteo Guendouzi and Joe Willock removed potential difference-makers from the squad, while other prospects such as Reiss Nelson and Gabriel Martinelli saw limited opportunities.
The club’s inability to find an effective attacking midfielder became evident during the first half of the season when they drifted without a dedicated playmaker until Emile Smith Rowe’s return. Smith Rowe’s emergence offered a glimmer of hope and represents one of the few recent recruitment decisions that yielded positive results.
Priorities for the Upcoming Transfer Window
With another transfer window approaching, Arsenal must avoid repeating recent mistakes. The club’s diminished influence in the market makes ambitious signings—such as Jack Grealish or Wilfried Zaha—unlikely. More realistic targets include Julian Brandt, Sander Berge, and Yves Bissouma, midfielders capable of addressing clear deficiencies.
Rather than investing in aging stars, Arsenal should focus on practical signings that offer athleticism, versatility, and hunger. This shift in recruitment philosophy is essential if the club hopes to rebuild and reclaim a place among England’s elite teams.
Addressing Arsenal’s Fragile Mentality
While talent is crucial, Arsenal’s primary issue is arguably mental resilience. The squad lacks players with the tenacious attitude required to change games and rally teammates. Grealish and Zaha are examples of individuals who combine technical excellence with a fearless approach, consistently driving their teams forward and commanding respect from defenders.
For instance, Grealish recorded 10 goals and 6 assists in a mid-table side despite significant injury setbacks, and leads top European leagues in fouls won per match. Zaha, though often injured this season, remains one of the most dynamic threats in the Premier League—his mere presence unsettles opponents. Arsenal’s roster rarely features anyone with a comparable psychological edge, aside from standout Bukayo Saka.
An attainable step forward could be pursuing players like Brighton’s Yves Bissouma: energetic, defensively sound, and mentally unflappable. Bringing in such professionals would provide stability and inject much-needed determination across the squad.
Contract Dilemmas: Focusing on the Future
In addition to overhauling their transfer policy, Arsenal need to make bold decisions regarding current squad members and contracts. It may be time to part ways with senior players whose performances no longer meet the club’s standards, such as Shkodran Mustafi, David Luiz, Hector Bellerin, Granit Xhaka, and Willian. Prioritizing emerging talents like Smith Rowe, Saka, and Kieran Tierney is vital for building a competitive core.
The rapid ascent of Saka and Smith Rowe not only signals promise for the club’s future but also sets a positive example for prospects like Miguel Azeez and Folarin Balogun. However, for these young talents to thrive, they require opportunities to play and develop. Continuing to rely on less impactful midfielders—such as Granit Xhaka or Mohamed Elneny—inhibits progress and reflects a lack of ambition.
Recruiting more physically dominant and defensively astute players, like Sander Berge and Yves Bissouma, would address these weaknesses. Additionally, securing a creative force in midfield—someone like Julian Brandt—could significantly improve Arsenal’s attacking options.
Sticking with Arteta: A Risky Gamble
Despite the ongoing decline, Arsenal’s leadership appears determined to persist with Mikel Arteta as manager—a surprising stance considering the speed with which previous coaches were dismissed for similar or even lesser problems. Reluctance to make tough choices, especially when compared to decisive clubs like Chelsea, highlights the need for a cultural shift. Without it, Arsenal risk remaining stuck in mid-table, consistently underperforming relative to their history and potential.
Conclusion: Time for Action and Renewal
Arsenal’s current standing is a result of a combination of poor recruitment, lack of squad balance, and an absence of leaders with a winning mentality. To reverse this trend, the club must commit to sensible, future-oriented signings, ruthlessly assess player contracts, and nurture their next generation of stars. Only then can Arsenal hope to move past mediocrity and return to the levels expected of a club of their stature.
