Arsenal can reflect upon 2024 with plenty of pride at the progress that they made, but also frustration at having once again missed out on winning a major prize.
Heading into 2025, Arsenal will be determined to reach new heights over the course of the coming year.
However, there are challenges and hurdles for Mikel Arteta and his players to overcome if they are to achieve these aims and objectives.
The Gunners have been inconsistent so far this season, beset by injuries, and the results of their summer transfer business have produced a mixed bag so far.
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Arsenal must win a trophy
Above all else, the North London club need to focus on laying their hands upon some silverware this season.
Arteta has admitted that winning trophies in his main aim, and he has taken his side close in the last couple of campaigns, but that final stride to success is yet to be taken.
The Gunners will be eyeing up the Premier League title that they have been denied in each of the last two seasons, but already face an uphill task in reeling in current table-toppers Liverpool.
Before then, though, attention needs to be paid to the EFL Cup. Arsenal will soon face Newcastle United in the semi-final of the competition. This tournament needs to be viewed as a huge opportunity to win a trophy, which would provide an enormous boost to this group of players.
Mikel Arteta needs to find a striker
Arsenal have been told to sign a striker, and bringing such a player to the Emirates Stadium must be Arteta’s top priority in the transfer market.
Be it in the winter window or in the summer, the Gunners need to find the kind of prolific goalscorer to lead the line that they have lacked in recent campaigns.
Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus both have their qualities up front, but neither is an especially prolific presence at the top of the pitch.
Arsenal may be closing in on a deal to sign Omar Marmoush, who could address this lack of firepower.
Edu Gaspar replacement has to be hired
Since sporting director Edu Gaspar unexpectedly resigned his post in early November, the club have yet to replace him.
Arteta is spearheading the search for Edu’s successor, and it is vital that the correct appointment is made.
The incoming sporting director needs to be able to rapidly forge an effective partnership with the Spanish coach, and must also have an understanding of the club, it’s philosophy, as well as their own network of transfer contacts.
It is correct not to rush this process, but equally Arsenal can afford to dawdle. Edu’s replacement needs to be named early in 2025, and given chance to settle and get to work ahead of what will be a crucial summer for the club.
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