🦁 PL Previews: Can Arsenal challenge again or even go one better? | OneFootball

This time 12 months ago, Arsenal were just hoping to return to the Champions League for the first time since 2016/17. And many didn’t even expect them to do that.

They ended the season disappointed not to win the title. Expectations have been recalibrated and everyone is wondering whether they can challenge Manchester City again.

See all of our club previews right here.

Transfers 🔁

In: Declan Rice (West Ham, £105m), Kai Havertz (Chelsea, £60m), Jurriën Timber (Ajax, £38.5m)

Out: Granit Xhaka (Bayer Leverkusen, £21.5m), Ainsley Maitland-Niles (released)

Transfer balance: -£182m

Key fixtures 📆

🔑 Key player: Bukayo Saka

Who else? Saka was already a crucial player for Arsenal heading into last season. He ended it one of the biggest stars in the entire Premier League.

With 14 goals and 11 assists in the league last season, and no other player really capable of competing for his role in the team, he is Arsenal’s most crucial player by a significant margin.

The England winger is elegant yet devastating, he takes defenders on, he can cut inside or go out wide on his right foot, and he is superbly consistent.

If Arsenal have another strong season, Saka will be at the heart of it.

What has changed since last season? 🤔

The midfield. Almost all of it.

With Declan Rice and Kai Havertz arriving for a combined £165m (up front), Granit Xhaka has been replaced and there is now significant competition for Thomas Partey’s role as well.

Arsenal are expected to line up with Rice and Havertz alongside Martin Ødegaard in midfield and it will be interesting to see how quickly the trio can gel.

With Jurriën Timber also added, there’s greater depth in defence, with Ben White now facing a rival at right-back and able to shift back into the heart of the backline if William Saliba is unavailable again at some point.

Arsenal clearly want to kick on from last season and they have the parts to do it.

Predicted XI 🔮

(4-1-4-1) — Ramsdale; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Rice; Saka, Ødegaard Havertz, Martinelli; Jesus.

Where will they finish? 🏆

Premier League: 2nd

Champions League: Quarter-finals

FA Cup: Quarter-finals

League Cup: Semi-finals

Community Shield: Winners

See all of our club previews right here.