Arsenal's Title Defence: Keeping Tired Players Fit
Arsenal's title defence is set to begin in earnest as they take on Girona in a pre-season friendly. The Premier League champions will be looking to show that their success last season was not a one-off, but retaining the title is incredibly difficult. No other club has done it since Manchester United won three in succession from 2007 to 2009.
Why it Matters for Arsenal
Mikel Arteta faces a sizeable challenge in retaining the title, but keeping existing players fit may be more beneficial than enhancing the squad. Arsenal did well to win the league given only a handful of clubs had players that missed more games. Kai Havertz was reportedly their top earner before Bukayo Saka signed a contract extension in February, but he only started seven league games.
What Comes Next?
Transfer business may improve Arsenal's chances, though their spending has been modest to this point. More than half of the £79m spent was on making Piero Hincapié's loan permanent. Elsewhere, Arsenal have replaced Leandro Trossard with Christos Tzolis, a Greek winger, from Club Brugge. However, the left side of Arsenal's attack would be elevated to truly elite level if they could secure reported target Vinícius Júnior.
The Vinícius Question
Vinícius made 92 carries of at least five metres that ended with him either taking a shot (49) or creating a chance (43) last season, the most of anyone in Europe's top five leagues. Open-play threat, for a side that has often relied on set pieces, would be considerably increased. Those holding the purse strings at Arsenal may have pause for thought. Capology's wage data estimates that Vinícius is the joint-third highest paid player in Europe's top five leagues, earning in excess of £100,000 a week more than anyone at his potential new club.
The Challenge Ahead
Improving a squad that is already one of the best around is not easy. When Andrea Berta, Arsenal's sporting director, arrived last year, the club's primary targets were said to be Alexander Isak and Benjamin Sesko, both of whom joined rivals instead. The pool of players who could add something significant to Arteta's options is drying up. Keeping existing players fit may be more beneficial than enhancing the squad.
Current Form
League standing (final 2025 table -- new season not yet under way): 1st in Premier League, 70 pts, 21W-7D-4L from 32 games, recent form LWWWW. Goals this season: 62 scored, 24 conceded (+38 goal difference). Lead at the top: 6 points clear of Manchester City. Next fixture: vs Fulham (at home, 2027-02-20) (12th in the table).
