Arsenal are now regarded as one of the world’s top clubs and are consistently expected to win trophies, even though they have not lifted any silverware since 2020. That expectation is driven largely by the level of performance the team have produced since the 2022/2023 season, which has marked a clear shift in standards. It is a level Arsenal are now expected to maintain, both domestically and in Europe.
The improvement has not happened overnight. When Mikel Arteta first took charge, he did not appear to fully grasp how competitive elite football can be, despite his previous experience as an assistant manager at Manchester City. That lack of understanding was reflected in some of the recruitment decisions made during the early stages of his tenure.
Lessons From Early Recruitment
Arteta’s initial signings included players such as Willian and David Luiz, along with others who ultimately proved to be below the level Arsenal needed. Those additions failed to raise the quality of the squad and, in some cases, slowed the club’s progress at a time when clearer direction was required.
However, the approach to recruitment has evolved significantly. Since the summer of 2023, Arsenal have focused on signing far stronger profiles, bringing in players viewed as genuine stars capable of helping the club win trophies. That shift in strategy has been reflected in performances and results, with the team strengthening further this season and earning places at the top of both the Premier League and Champions League tables.
Maintaining Elite Standards
The Gunners now understand that they are a team built to win, and expectations around recruitment have changed accordingly. Supporters no longer anticipate the arrival of mediocre players, as the standard across the squad has risen sharply.
The current Arsenal team boasts two top-level players in almost every position, and this depth should be treated as a template for future planning. Maintaining that balance is essential if the club are to continue progressing rather than stagnating.
Adding even one mediocre signing to the group would risk undermining its overall quality. Such a move could disrupt the balance Arteta has worked hard to establish and potentially take Arsenal backwards in their pursuit of a new level. To meet expectations and convert performance into trophies, Arsenal must remain disciplined and ambitious in every decision they make.
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The photo you chosed for this post is wrong. I don’t think Eze is mediocre
Fully agree. A player scoring a hattrick against Spurs is not medicore. Wrong photo, mate.
Davis Luiz was already at Arsenal when Arteta joined in December 2019. It’s worth mentioning that the transfer budgets were more limited in his early seasons.
Emery signed Luiz, not Arteta. As for mediocre players I’m afraid Gyokeres and Eze could end up in that category unless they start to score regularly and contribute more towards the team, aside from Eze’s performance against the absolutely woeful Spuds so far I’ve seen nothing from them to suggest they were worth the money laid out to bring them to Arsenal.
Arsenal has deph now and can challenge for any silverware. But sometimes coach makes wrong decisions when they substitute.
It’s only the experience of the coach that can stand between Arsenal and silverware
What an utterly pointless opinion article, “Arsenal must sign good players” – what an insightful take! Emery also signed Luiz, not Arteta.
EZE to me has not really come to the level expected of him. YES, he scored a hattrick against Spurs, but consistency if key.
Eze and England International is not mediocre but represents the level that Arsenal needs. The picture posted doesn’t mean he’s a below level player.
I am confused. The aricle is about mediocre players but what has Eze got to do with that?