Arsenal have been throttled by injury setbacks over the past few months, but the biggest prize is still up for grabs – and Mikel Arteta knows his side can go all the way.
Indeed, it would take a collapse of epic proportions to fall at the Emirates against PSV Eindhoven next week after winning 7-1 in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 tie. One of the Madrid sides will meet the Gunners in the quarter-finals.
By then, Arteta will hope to have Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli back in the mix, suppressing the selection crisis that has pulled Arsenal away from Liverpool in the Premier League title race.
Tuesday evening’s thrashing of PSV was a reminder of what Arsenal can do, even when sapped, even when depleted. This is a world-class outfit, and with a few well-placed summer signings, could make the 2025/26 campaign one for the history books.
Arsenal's summer transfer plans
Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus are both ruled out for the season, but Arsenal don’t have the cannons they so covet even when both forwards are fully fit.
An out-and-out number nine is needed, and while Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak is the first-choice target, it may be more realistic to target the £58m-rated Benjamin Sesko instead.
But Arsenal need to focus on more than just one frontal third. Indeed, news broke out in January that the north Londoners are progressing to the advanced stages of negotiations with Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, transfer slated for the summer after he rejected Liverpool last year.
Then, of course, Arteta and projected new sporting director Andrea Berta will need to seek a reinforcement or two on the flanks. Saka and Martinelli might be absent but even a fully-fit Arsenal squad this season has suffered from the absence of potent depth.
Raheem Sterling’s loan move from Chelsea will conclude in a few months, and on the basis of the evidence, it would be a travesty to pursue a permanent deal for the 30-year-old.
Given the significance of getting it right with a new striker, Zubimendi and perhaps something else too, Arteta may want to consider the future of a current Gunner plying their trade out on loan.
He flattered to deceive in the past, but there’s enough promise to suggest he may deserve a second shot – especially since he’s being compared to none other than Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes.
Arteta could save millions with Arsenal loan star
Arsenal are by no means in need of a rebuild; this is the best Gunners team in a generation. However, investment is a must this year and Arteta may be inclined to bring one player back to the fold to ease the financial burden.
That player is Fabio Vieira, always regarded as a talented and technical player but struggling to meet the rigours of Premier League football after signing from Porto in 2022 for a £34m fee.
He made 49 appearances for Arsenal across his first two campaigns, scoring three goals and registering nine assists, but ultimately failed to nail down a starting berth – there’s still time though.
Now 24, the Portuguese playmaker is back at his former stomping ground on loan, and after a slow start has become an important cog in Martin Anselmi’s machine.
Right winger
15
1
3
Attacking midfield
9
1
0
Central midfield
4
2
1
Left winger
1
0
0
As you can see, Vieira’s playmaking abilities and flexibility have seen him operate across a range of tactical roles, with his performances on the right flank in particular sure to have helped in overcoming the absence of Saka these past few months.
He also ranks among the top 16% of attacking midfielders and wingers performing in the Europa League this season for pass completion and the top 5% for progressive passes per 90, as per FBref, highlighting the creative spark that could have enhanced Arsenal’s attacking fluency this season, perhaps adding a dimension to ensure the strikers hit their stride.
Such skills have seen the £45k-per-week talent be likened to Manchester United’s captain, as per FBref, with Fernandes also boasting sharp ball-playing skills. In fact, football writer Muhammad Butt has even described the Portugal sensation as a “genius” on the ball.
While Vieira isn’t on his compatriot’s level, his smooth passing and competent defensive work – superior to that of his time in an Arsenal shirt – suggests he might not be finished in north London just yet. Writer Hayley McGoldrick has even described him as “special, special player” with an “incredible” ability to make an impact.
Indeed, as per Sofascore, Vieira has created seven big chances from only 12 starting appearances in Liga Portugal this term, also winning 50% of his ground duels. This latter metric is important, for he won 41% and 45% of such battles across his two campaigns in the Premier League.
Defensive contribution serves as one of the central pillars of Fernandes’ game. Man United have fallen by the wayside in recent years but his leadership has been a saving grace. Just imagine Old Trafford’s current state in a Fernandes-less world.
This is of course reflected through the metrics: the 30-year-old has averaged 2.3 tackles per Premier League game this term while winning 51% of his ground duels. Such a success rate (almost identical to Vieira’s) might not seem all that impressive, but you must remember such players operate in the thick of opposition defensive zones.
Before Vieira left for Porto, Arteta reportedly confirmed internally his desire to keep the midfielder on the books, saying he “aligns perfectly” with the club’s vision.
There’s time yet for this one to make a stunning resurgence, and it’s just a shame that he’s not at the Emirates now to provide relief for Arteta’s injury-hit side.
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