Arsenal are back in Premier League action this weekend as the season finally gets up and running for the 2024/25 campaign.
The Gunners are hopeful this is the year they end their wait for a title, with Mikel Arteta’s side going close on two previous occasions.
The Arsenal boss will likely have to usurp his old mentor Pep Guardiola to lift the trophy, with Manchester City proving their dominance in recent years.
There is plenty of hope surrounding the Emirates Stadium, with only minor touches needed to get the North London outfit above their rivals.
Having said that, many may question if the best opportunities have already come and gone for Arteta and his Arsenal squad.
So with that said, our group of expert writers at Arsenal Insider have tried their hand at predicting the coming season for Arsenal.
Arsenal finish in the Premier League finish prediction
Rosie Tudball – 1st
I think this year has to be Arsenal’s.
Last season was Mikel Arteta’s chance to prove that the highs of 2022/23 weren’t to be short-lived and we certainly showed we have the minerals to compete with Manchester City.
There is work to be done this summer I believe, I worry that the margins could come down to us not having a reliable centre-forward, despite having other areas as a source of goals.
Finding the best combination in midfield will be crucial, another body could drive Arsenal further in their quest to catch up with City, I also think maintaining the defensive record we did last season is imperative.
There is no time better than now for Arteta to put what he’s gained from the last two seasons into action, there’s simply no room for error over the 38 games but I think the squad truly understands that.
Rahul Lakhani – 1st
This season finally feels like Arsenal have both the quality and the experience to beat Manchester City in the title race.
A couple more additions in the transfer window may be necessary, but there is a lot more stability than there was this time last year.
A year ago, Arsenal were reeling from the loss of Granit Xhaka, struggling to fit Kai Havertz into midfield, had constant scrutiny over the goalkeeping position and several key injuries, and this contributed to a slow start to the season.
Now, there is extra depth at the back with Jurrien Timber returning and Riccardo Calafiori joining, and if Mikel Merino arrives as expected, there is a ready-made midfielder who can help fix last season’s issues on the left side.
If Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli can hit their best form again, it will be almost like having an extra attacker, and whilst there has been limited movement in the transfer window, the same can be said about Manchester City.
If Arsenal can start like they did two years ago, and finish in the way they did last season, then this is perhaps their best chance at winning the title against Pep Guardiola’s Man City.
Will Jones – 1st
As things stand, there hasn’t been an overwhelming amount of incoming business conducted by Arsenal this summer.
However, Riccardo Calafiori is an exciting addition, and many of the players in this squad are still naturally improving.
I expect the Gunners to take another step forward this season, having amassed 89 points last time around, remember.
I’d love to say that Arsenal will have the title wrapped up in March but fear it won’t be as straightforward as that.
They will get it wrapped up though, just prepare for it to be an ordeal that is by turns agonising and exhilarating, crushing and magnificent, as Mikel Arteta masterminds the dethroning of Pep Guardiola.
Shamanth Jayaram – 1st
I can’t help but be optimistic about the new season.
Yes, we haven’t really made any statement signings like last year, but our already strong defence has gotten stronger now thanks to the arrival of Riccardo Calafiori.
Furthermore, Gabriel Jesus has looked fitter and sharper than ever in pre-season, if he can produce the kind of performances that he did before the World Cup in 2022, he will cause teams all sorts of problems.
I would ideally still like a new midfielder before the window shuts, but even if we can’t get someone through the door, I think Arsenal have enough to go all the way and pip Manchester City to the Premier League title this season.
Luke Thrower – 1st
It truly does feel as though, if Arsenal win the Premier League, then it has to be this season.
The Gunners have gone close over the past two campaigns, but they should now be used to being in these title chases and competing in the big competitions.
For as well as Man City have done in recent years, they don’t resemble the same winning machine that Pep Guardiola once had.
There’s a frailty there that Arsenal could exploit and ensure that they win the title.
Who will be Arsenal top scorer?
Rosie Tudball: Kai Havertz
I think Kai Havertz has really grown into his role under Arteta and is full of confidence. I see him playing a significant part in our goals this season.
Rahul Lakhani: Kai Havertz
If Kai Havertz continues his form from last season and keeps his place as the regular number nine, I expect the forward to lead the way in terms of goals.
Will Jones: Bukayo Saka
I expect Bukayo Saka to lead the way in terms of goalscoring for the Gunners but believe that eventually, Gabriel Martinelli will spark back into life in front of goal.
Shamanth Jayaram: Bukayo Saka
Bukayo Saka has been Arsenal’s main man in each of the last three seasons, and I don’t expect that to change in 2024/25.
The Englishman scored 20 goals in all competitions last season – I won’t be surprised if he hits the 25-goal mark in the upcoming campaign.
Luke Thrower: Bukayo Saka
I believe Bukayo Saka will end the season as Arsenal’s top scorer, seeing as he is such a talisman for a side full of quality players.
With his ability to score different types of goals, be it from range or up close, the forward can be the leading scorer.
Who will be Arsenal’s breakout player?
Rosie Tudball: Ethan Nwaneri
17 years old is incredibly young but it’s clear that Arteta sees something in Ethan Nwaneri. I can see him leapfrogging Fabio Vieira in the pecking order and think we’ll see a lot of him in the cups.
Rahul Lakhani: Ethan Nwaneri
Ethan Nwaneri enjoyed an excellent pre-season campaign and now looks ready for more first-team action.
If he is given the opportunity to do so, he can play a more significant part this season than previously anticipated.
Will Jones: David Raya
Whilst it would be a stretch to call it a ‘breakout’, I expect David Raya to truly establish himself as a world-class goalkeeper this season.
He is settled at the Emirates now and will be full of confidence having played his part in Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph, and I am excited to see him stamp his authority on this team.
Shamanth Jayaram: Ethan Nwaneri
Another obvious prediction here, but Ethan Nwaneri was outstanding for Arsenal in pre-season.
He looked comfortable against senior opposition and proved that he is more than good enough to play at the highest level. I expect Nwaneri to get plenty of minutes in the 2024/25 season.
Luke Thrower: Ethan Nwaneri
It’s tough to see where younger players will be afforded many opportunities this season at Arsenal, but if anyone is likely to receive minutes, it’s Ethan Nwaneri.
The youngster appears to be the standout candidate from his age group and has clearly caught the attention of Mikel Arteta.
Which Arsenal player are you most excited to watch this season?
Rosie Tudball: Jurrien Timber
It was agonising not to get the chance to really see Jurrien Timber in action last season due to injury.
He showed his potential and dynamic qualities during his Community Shield cameo, and it’s really exciting to see what he has to offer.
Rahul Lakhani: Gabriel Jesus
Gabriel Jesus looked back to his best in pre-season and has hopefully put his injury issues behind him.
If he can hit top form again, he could be a genuine game-changer this year.
Will Jones: Gabriel Jesus
I believe this campaign will see Gabriel Jesus finally get back to the kind of level he produced when he first joined the club.
If the Brazilian can regain trust in his body and play with freedom then he will keep the North London faithful entertained.
Shamanth Jayaram: Gabriel Jesus
Gabriel Jesus has had a torrid time at Arsenal over the last 18 months – we just haven’t seen the best of him.
However, the Brazilian looks fitter than ever now, and his performances in pre-season were really promising.
If Jesus can produce the same kind of form that he did in his first few months as an Arsenal player back in 2022, we will become much more dangerous in attack.
Luke Thrower: Riccardo Calafiori
It may be a bit cliche to say a new signing is exciting to view, but it feels like Riccardo Calafiori is a player who has a point to prove at Arsenal.
The rest of the squad seems fairly settled, but the Italian can be something of a disruptor in the backline and prove he was worth the transfer fee.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
