Arsenal 2026-27 Season Preview - Mikel Arteta's Side to Retain the Title

John Eastwood

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Last updated: 56 minutes ago

John Eastwood 56 minutes ago

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Arsenal won their first Premier League title in 22 years (2025/26).
Key signings include Bruno Guimarães & Piero Hincapié after his loan; Trossard departs.
Main challenges: squad rotation & sharper attacking against deep defences.

Mikel Arteta has built a formidable defensive unit at Arsenal (Getty Images).

Last Season’s Summary

Arsenal enjoyed a historic 2025/26 campaign, finally ending their 22-year wait for the Premier League title after finishing seven points clear of Man City. They faced criticism for a reliance on set-pieces and were not always the most exciting team to watch.
Last Season’s Summary
Arsenal Coaching Consistency
Key Transfers In
Key Transfers Out
Three Key Players
Main Areas for Improvement
Upcoming Arsenal Transfer Activity
Overall Season Expectations – Arsenal

The Gunners had finished runners-up in each of the previous three seasons, but Mikel Arteta's side finally went one step further and secured their fourth Premier League title. They finished the campaign with 85 points and lifted the trophy after a 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace on the final day.

Arsenal also reached their first Champions League final in 20 years, although their European campaign ended in heartbreak as Paris Saint-Germain won on penalties following a 1-1 draw in Budapest.

A major highlight was finally seeing Arsenal overcome the mental barrier that had followed several near misses in recent years. The Gunners were arguably the strongest side defensively and on attacking set-pieces in Europe.

Arsenal Coaching Consistency

Mikel Arteta remains in charge and that gives an advantage over the other title rivals who changed coach.

The Spaniard was named Premier League Manager of the Season after guiding Arsenal to the title. His long-term project has now produced the major domestic prize that had been missing from his tenure and takes the pressure off him.

Arteta now the longest-serving manager among the Premier League's traditional top clubs. His tactical flexibility, attention to detail and ability to develop young players have transformed Arsenal into one of Europe's strongest teams. His hunger to build a legacy at the Gunners is visible.

Key Transfers In

Arsenal have made several targeted additions this summer, with Bruno Guimarães arriving from Newcastle in a £75 million deal to add even greater quality and passing to an already is strong midfield. It should lower the reliance on Declan Rice.

Piero Hincapié has also joined permanently from Bayer Leverkusen after his successful loan spell, and Christos Tzolis arrives from Club Brugge in to replace Leandro Trossard. The latter scored many key goals and will be missed.

Key Transfers Out

Arsenal have also begun trimming the squad, with Leandro Trossard completing a permanent move to Besiktas after playing an important role in last season's title triumph.

Several players have also returned from loan spells, including Ethan Nwaneri, Fabio Vieira and Reiss Nelson, but none are expected to be part of the plans this season.

Three Key Players

Bukayo Saka: he remains arguably Arsenal's most important attacking player and will again be expected to provide goals, creativity and consistency from the right wing. His ability to decide tight matches makes him central to Arsenal's hopes of defending their title, and the downgrade to Noni Madueke is stark.

Declan Rice: the former West Ham man was immense last season in his defensive work and ability to carry the ball. The arrival of Bruno Guimarães should allow Rice greater freedom in certain matches while also giving Arteta another elite option in midfield to stop Rice burning out, or playing with injuries.

Gabriel: the centre back is even more important now than William Saliba is out with a long-term injury. If the Brazilian spent time on the sidelines, the defence would be a lot weaker and a key goal threat from corners would be lost.

Main Areas for Improvement

Arsenal's biggest priority is maintaining consistency after finally winning the Premier League title. The Gunners were one of the strongest defensive teams in England last season, but they must now prove that they can maintain those standards while also handling the pressure of being champions.

The attack also needs to become more clinical. Arsenal have sometimes struggled to turn territorial dominance into enough goals, particularly against teams that defend deep. The addition of Tzolis gives Arteta another option in wide areas, while Gyökeres will be expected to provide a greater goal threat.

Arsenal also need to manage their squad better across a demanding season. Champions League football, the Premier League and domestic cups will put significant physical demands on the squad, making Guimarães and Ezri Konsa particularly valuable additions.

Upcoming Arsenal Transfer Activity

Arsenal's transfer business is unlikely to be finished because the club remains open to further additions despite already strengthening the squad significantly. Defensively, Arsenal are working on another major addition, with Ezri Konsa reportedly close to joining from Aston Villa in a deal worth around £50 million. The move would give Arteta another experienced Premier League centre-back and further strengthen an already impressive defence.

Bradley Barcola has been linked with Arsenal, but looks more likely to join Liverpool. Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus or other fringe players like Ethan Nwaneri may decide to move on.

Overall Season Expectations – Arsenal

Arsenal should be targeting another Premier League title after finally ending their 22-year wait last season. The squad is stronger, Arteta remains in charge and several of their biggest rivals are undergoing major changes, giving the Gunners an excellent opportunity to establish themselves at the top.

The Champions League will also provide Arsenal with an opportunity to go one step further after losing last season's final on penalties. There are still questions around attacking depth, squad management and whether Arsenal can maintain their intensity across four competitions. Arsenal have every reason to believe they can turn one Premier League title into the beginning of a sustained period of dominance.

Graduated from the University of Portsmouth in 2008 with a BA in English Literature before completing MA in Journalism. Began his career as a sports journalist in London before moving to the Middle East to work as a sports editor for national media companies in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Favourite Sports: Tennis, Boxing, Golf.