Mikel Arteta is facing scrutiny for securing two signings while failing to land a crucial transfer target.

Riccardo Calafiori is a talented player but has struggled with injuries since joining. The question remains whether signing him and another midfielder like Mikel Merino was the right priority when Arsenal has been in dire need of a centre forward. Furthermore, the team also needed more quality and creativity on the left wing to generate chances from open play, an area that has been lacking.

Mikel Arteta cannot afford to overlook the significance of the Champions League this season. Although Arsenal reached the quarter-finals for the first time since 2010, they need to push further this year. In the Premier League, Arsenal currently sit third, trailing behind Liverpool and Chelsea in the title race. While the team’s performance last season raised expectations, they have yet to meet them this time, and their title hopes are fading.

Arteta has done well to transform the club since his appointment in December 2019, with an FA Cup victory and continued participation in the Carabao Cup. Yet, despite flirting with the title in recent seasons, Arsenal now demand more. Experts had tipped them for the title this season, but their performance so far has been underwhelming, and recruitment is a key factor. Though unlucky with refereeing decisions and injuries, other teams have faced similar challenges.

The team’s struggles have been particularly evident in the absence of Martin Ødegaard, but with his return, they may yet find some consistency. This season’s Champions League presents a real opportunity, as Arsenal have never won the prestigious trophy, with their closest attempt being a 2006 final appearance. Even during Arsène Wenger’s best years, Arsenal could not surpass the quarter-finals.

In terms of competition, Manchester City remain favorites, though they are having an unusual season, and Real Madrid’s dominance may be waning with Carlo Ancelotti’s tenure ending. Liverpool, however, appear to be the strongest team in Europe at the moment. With the new Champions League format offering extra incentives to finish in the top eight, Arsenal must focus on becoming genuine contenders rather than just participants. Achieving this would solidify their status as a major European

force.