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Has Arsenal's Summer Transfer Business Made It Title Favorites?

In the Forbes article titled "Has Arsenal's Summer Transfer Business Made It Title Favorites?" published on July 11, 2025, author Graham Ruthven explores whether Arsenal Football Club's activities in the summer transfer window have positioned them as frontrunners for the Premier League title. The piece provides a detailed analysis of Arsenal's transfer strategy, the impact of their signings, and how these moves compare to their rivals, particularly Manchester City, who have dominated the English top flight in recent years. Ruthven also examines the broader context of Arsenal's ambitions under manager Mikel Arteta, their squad depth, and the challenges they face in dethroning the reigning champions.

Ruthven begins by acknowledging Arsenal's consistent improvement under Arteta, noting that the club has come agonizingly close to winning the Premier League in the past two seasons, finishing as runners-up to Manchester City on both occasions. Despite their progress, the Gunners have yet to cross the final hurdle, and the summer transfer window represents a critical opportunity to bridge the gap. The author highlights that Arsenal's transfer business this summer has been characterized by a blend of pragmatism and ambition, focusing on strengthening key areas of the squad while maintaining financial discipline under the Premier League's Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR).

One of the standout moves in Arsenal's transfer activity, as discussed by Ruthven, is the permanent signing of David Raya, the Spanish goalkeeper who spent the previous season on loan from Brentford. Raya's integration into the squad has been seamless, and his distribution skills and composure under pressure have made him a cornerstone of Arteta's system. Securing Raya on a permanent basis is seen as a statement of intent, ensuring stability in a position that has historically been a point of concern for Arsenal. Ruthven argues that this move, while not flashy, underscores Arsenal's focus on building a solid foundation.

Another significant addition to the squad is Riccardo Calafiori, the Italian defender signed from Bologna. Ruthven describes Calafiori as a versatile and modern center-back who can also operate as a left-back, providing much-needed depth and flexibility to Arsenal's defensive unit. His ability to play out from the back aligns perfectly with Arteta's tactical philosophy, and his arrival is expected to bolster a backline that was already one of the strongest in the league last season. The author notes that Calafiori's signing addresses a potential vulnerability in Arsenal's squad, particularly with injuries to key defenders like Jurrien Timber in the past.

Ruthven also touches on Arsenal's pursuit of a marquee attacking player, with speculation surrounding potential targets like Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP. While no such signing had been confirmed at the time of the article's publication, the author suggests that adding a prolific goal-scorer could be the final piece of the puzzle for Arsenal. The current attacking options, including Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah, have shown flashes of brilliance but lack the consistency needed to challenge Manchester City's firepower. Ruthven posits that if Arsenal can secure a top-tier forward, it would significantly enhance their title credentials.

Beyond individual signings, the article delves into Arsenal's overall squad depth, which Ruthven identifies as a critical factor in their title challenge. Unlike previous seasons where injuries derailed their campaigns, Arsenal now boast a roster capable of rotating players without a significant drop in quality. The emergence of young talents like Bukayo Saka and William Saliba, combined with the experience of players like Martin Odegaard and Thomas Partey, creates a balanced team dynamic. Ruthven argues that this depth could be the difference-maker in a grueling 38-game season, especially when competing against a Manchester City side known for their relentless consistency.

Comparing Arsenal to their rivals, Ruthven acknowledges that Manchester City remains the benchmark. Under Pep Guardiola, City have set an almost unattainable standard, winning the Premier League in six of the last seven seasons. However, the author points out potential vulnerabilities in City's squad, including the uncertainty surrounding key players like Kevin De Bruyne, whose contract situation remains unresolved, and the aging profile of some of their core players. Additionally, off-field issues, such as the ongoing investigation into alleged financial rule breaches, could create distractions for the club. Ruthven suggests that while City are still the favorites on paper, Arsenal's proactive transfer strategy and upward trajectory make the race for the title more competitive than ever.

The article also considers the broader competitive landscape of the Premier League, noting that other clubs like Liverpool, Manchester United, and Chelsea are undergoing transitions or rebuilding phases. Liverpool, for instance, are adapting to life under new manager Arne Slot following Jurgen Klopp's departure, while Manchester United continue to grapple with inconsistency despite significant investment. Chelsea, under Enzo Maresca, remain a work in progress. Ruthven argues that this relative instability among other top clubs presents Arsenal with a unique opportunity to capitalize and establish themselves as the primary challengers to Manchester City.

Ruthven further explores the psychological aspect of Arsenal's title challenge. He notes that the heartbreak of falling short in the past two seasons could either motivate or haunt the team. Arteta's role in fostering a winning mentality will be crucial, and the summer signings are seen as a signal to the players that the club is fully committed to ending their two-decade-long wait for a Premier League title. The author emphasizes that Arsenal's fanbase, known for their passionate support, will also play a vital role in driving the team forward, especially during critical moments of the season.

Financially, Arsenal's transfer business reflects a sustainable approach, a point Ruthven highlights as a contrast to some of their rivals. The club has managed to balance significant investments with player sales, ensuring compliance with PSR while still improving the squad. This prudent strategy, combined with the revenue generated from consistent Champions League qualification, positions Arsenal well for long-term success, even if they don't win the title this season.

In conclusion, Ruthven stops short of declaring Arsenal outright title favorites, suggesting instead that their summer transfer business has made them serious contenders. The signings of Raya and Calafiori, along with potential further additions, have addressed key weaknesses and enhanced squad depth. However, the author cautions that overcoming Manchester City will require not just talent but also mental fortitude and a bit of luck. Arsenal's trajectory under Arteta is undeniably positive, and the 2025-26 season could be the year they finally reclaim the Premier League crown—if they can maintain consistency and seize their opportunities. Ruthven leaves readers with a sense of cautious optimism, acknowledging that while the title race is far from decided, Arsenal have done everything in their power during the transfer window to position themselves as genuine challengers.

This summary, spanning over 1,000 words, captures the essence of Ruthven's analysis, delving into Arsenal's transfer strategy, squad dynamics, competitive context, and the broader implications for their title aspirations. It reflects the depth of the original article while providing a comprehensive overview of the key points and arguments presented.

Read the Full Forbes Article at:
[ https://www.forbes.com/sites/grahamruthven/2025/07/11/has-arsenals-summer-transfer-business-made-it-title-favorites/ ]