It’s been a long time coming – 4 years in fact, but the red side of North London seem to finally have their act together. Since his appointment in 2019, Arteta’s Arsenal revolution has been a rollercoaster ride of emotions. 73 wins after 130 games in charge is a reasonable return, but as previewed in the Amazon’s latest ‘All or Nothing’ series, inconsistency in performance and inexcusable results against clubs in the bottom half of the division crippled the teams chances of a top four finish, leaving fans with the familiar feeling of disappointment once more.

Much like Manchester United, to the enjoyment and humour of rival fans, the Gunners have struggled to adapt to life after the Wenger era. In fact, since his departure, the club have failed to qualify for the Champions League every single season.

Finishing fifth was once deemed as failure, and would have caused ruptures amongst fans at the Emirates in years gone by – yet baby steps in the right direction made by Arteta, his staff and the players on the pitch means for what seems like forever, the club head into a Premier League season surrounded by optimism.

Intelligent signings and the introduction of youth has propelled the club into a much better place. After both senior star strikers Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette flattered to deceive, before falling out of favour and ultimately leaving the club, Arteta and Arsenal’s downfall was seemingly inevitable – yet by increasing his trust in, and relying on young prospects like Eddie Nketiah, Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka to perform to the best of their ability, in the second half of last season – his side thrived.

Whilst his departure is unlikely, another stellar season of quality and consistence from 19-year old attacker Bukayo Saka proved his breakout premier league season and excellent European championships were no fluke. The young star cemented himself as one of the first names on Mikel Arteta’s teamsheet with 11 goals and 7 assists. Much like Mo Salah, the young Englishman is yet to extend his contract, and fans are becoming increasingly worried about his future at the Emirates. For too long now, the Gunners have been happy to sell their star players and haven’t thought twice about who too – the most outrageous example is obviously Robin Van Persie to Manchester United in 2012, but history repeated itself in the form of Alexis Sanchez. In his final years, Mesut Ozil was clutching at straws to run down his contract and leave the Emirates – more recently Aubameyang used his pace to sprint out the exit door too.

Arteta has invaluable assets in Saka and Martin Odegaard. If Emile Smith Rowe continues to excite, the future is bright – but keeping hold of the talented trio is crucial, they mustn’t be separated.

Nevertheless, immediate improvements to the teams starting eleven are required. In one of the summers most unexpected transfers, out of favour Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus has left the Etihad for the Emirates, in a deal worth up to £45 million. Mikel Arteta and Arsenal guarantee regular first team football for the Brazilian striker, who found himself on the bench multiple times last season despite the fact he was the only striker at the club. Erling Haaland’s arrival in Manchester will have only made matters worse for Jesus. At Arsenal, the striker will become the main man and focal point of his team for the very first time in his career.

Five years playing for the Premier League’s best club in City means the Brazilian won’t take much time to adjust in his new role – especially given his extreme desire to lead the line for Brazil at the World Cup in November – the likelihood remains this is a sure fire signing for Arsenal, and exactly what the team required to take them to the next level and genuinely mount a realistic top four challenge.

Never far from controversy – famous Arsenal fan Piers Morgan joined TalkSPORT to discuss his expectations surrounding Arsenal in the upcoming season, and made his opinions on former player turned manager Mikel Arteta loud and clear – Morgan is less than convinced by the Spaniards tactical ability and experience as a manager, outrageously claiming he’d rather take ex Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino, in a move that would rival Sol Campbell’s ‘Judas-like’ transfer back in 2001.

Piers does have a point, though – Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s reign as Manchester United manager was blighted by the same theory amongst fans and pundits – a theory that ultimately proved true. Arsenal fans have every right to be wary, especially after hope fizzled out in the last campaign, leaving a top 4 finish in Spurs’ hands. Direct rivals Chelsea, Spurs, (and potentially even United) now boast world class managerial talent in the dugout – as a result the race to break into the top four will undoubtedly be tighter than ever, and the margin for error may be practically non-existent.

Verdict: 5th

An uncharacteristically efficient transfer window shows the intent to achieve is rife amongst the club, but strength in depth and top-class experienced managers like Conte, Klopp, Tuchel and Ten Hag leading rival clubs in the fight for Champions League qualification – short term success still seems a step too far for a wonderfully bright and exciting young Gunners side. Having said that, the signing of Jesus could prove to be the saviour of Arsenal’s season.

Expect them to start slow, but a capable cup run and consistent league form post World Cup in winter could rejuvenate one of English footballs more passionate fan bases and catapult the club into top four contention.