Arsenal have finished just short of Manchester City in the last two seasons, but they did compete well with Pep Guardiola’s juggernauts.
City became the first English side to ever win four top-flight titles in a row as they finished two points above Arsenal, who took the title race to the final day.
Arsenal performed superbly, winning 16 of their last 18 league games, but it was not enough to secure a first title since 2004, and fans are beginning to wonder what more they can do to usurp City.
Guardiola’s side is full of world-class quality, and they now have the experience of winning titles under pressure over sustained periods, and this cannot be coached nor bought. Whilst Guardiola is in charge, they will be extremely difficult to beat over 38 games.
However, Arsenal may now take solace in news which has recently emerged over the future of the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss.
Pep Guardiola may leave Manchester City at the end of next season
It was recently reported that Guardiola is strongly considering leaving City in 2025, making next season his final one in charge at the Etihad Stadium.
This would bring an end to a nine-year reign, which could potentially end with seven league titles. There has rarely been such dominance in the Premier League before, and Guardiola is continuing a trend from his other clubs where he is seldom beaten in a title race.
It has now been reported that Man City want a decision over his future resolved soon, but indications are pointing towards his exit, and Arsenal now have to take advantage.
Arsenal are best-placed to take over once Pep Guardiola leaves Man City
Arteta’s side have been Man City’s main challengers in the last two seasons, and with Jurgen Klopp also leaving Liverpool, they are set to be the main contenders to step up in the title races once City lose Guardiola’s almost unbeatable title-winning quality and experience.
Arsenal have a top-quality young squad, with key stars tied down to long-term deals, but there are a few final pieces missing in the puzzle.
If Arsenal are patient, and accept that next season could be another close-knit race, they could set themselves up well for when Guardiola departs. They already have the quality to take the race to the final day again, but the depth is a key area which needs improving.
Arsenal have been linked with Premier League proven stars such as Alexander Isak and Bruno Guimaraes, who could make an immediate impact. However, this kind of signing may not be necessary.
Arsenal need to focus on long-term strategy to overtake Man City
Unlike last season, when Arsenal brought in Declan Rice for a club-record fee, there are no standout game-changing transfer options currently available for Arsenal. Rice was almost guaranteed to succeed, but even targets like Guimaraes, who would cost a similar fee, would not come with the same level of quality.
There is now merit in Arsenal focusing on younger and lesser-proven players. Benjamin Sesko is now strongly linked ahead of Isak or Ivan Toney, whilst Joao Neves from Benfica has been mooted as a surprise midfield signing.
Arsenal’s squad for next season is almost complete, and Kai Havertz can continue to lead the line, with Jorginho also remaining at the club. This means that Arsenal have the ability to bring in younger signings, who could pad the squad, and arrive with little pressure to deliver immediately.
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For players such as Sesko or Jorrel Hato, next season could be one of adaptation, and by the time Guardiola departs, they will be ready to make a significant impact with their performances.
If Arsenal secure and settle the best younger talents over the next year, they can put themselves in a position where they can sustain dominance at the top of the league for several years after Guardiola has gone, rather than chasing an immediate impact which may not benefit them later on.