Arsenal are firmly in the mix at the top of the Premier League following their thrilling last-minute win at Newcastle at the weekend but expectations are rising in North London.
Mikel Arteta’s team return to domestic action on Saturday, hosting West Ham, after a midweek 2-0 victory over Olympiacos in the Champions League, and could even finish the weekend at the summit of the league if other results favour them. After a series of second-place finishes, manager Arteta is under pressure to add to the single FA Cup he has won during his nearly five-year tenure.
However, the club have been doing well in planning for the future, with William Saliba being the latest senior player to sign a new contract. Arteta and transfer guru Andrea Berta have also done a commendable job in bolstering the squad, with Martin Zubimendi standing out since his summer arrival. Noni Madueke has also shown promise, although he suffered an unfortunate injury in the draw against Manchester City.
The Gunners’ next league opponents have triumphed in their last two visits to the Emirates Stadium under two different managers. David Moyes masterminded a 2-0 victory in December 2023, while Graham Potter was at the helm last season when West Ham defeated a 10-man Arsenal team by a solitary goal. Potter has since been sacked, with ex-Tottenham boss Nuno Espirito Santo now occupying the Hammers’ hotseat. Here’s all the latest news from the Emirates.
When Arsenal relocated to their new ground in 2006, considerable attention was paid to the Emirates Stadium’s reputation as a cutting-edge facility, reports the Mirror.
This continues to be true, despite other clubs having undertaken their own stadium relocations, but details have now surfaced regarding what the next phase of development might entail. The Mail reveals that Otto Maly will spearhead the proposals.
Maly played a crucial role in constructing SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, which houses the Los Angeles Rams, giving him expertise in major projects within significant cities – that venture reportedly carried a price tag of approximately £4billion.
With building work yet to commence on the scheme, all timescales and expenses remain provisional.
Nothing is anticipated to begin until after the 2026/27 campaign concludes, whilst initial reports indicate the fresh venture could ultimately cost roughly twice the £380million required to build Arsenal’s ground almost 20 years ago, despite featuring only a “modest” rise in seating capacity – possibly fewer than 10,000 additional seats beyond the existing total.
Arsenal icon Robert Pires fears another season without silverware might encourage the Gunners hierarchy to dismiss Mikel Arteta.
Following their FA Cup triumph in 2020, Arteta has been unable to deliver trophies despite the club investing heavily in its roster, although they did extend the title battle until the final day in 2024.
Pires told Foot Mercato: “In my opinion, if Arsenal don’t win a trophy this year, the management will consider finding another coach.
“He’s been there for five years and unfortunately, the title has eluded him. What’s important for the fans is the championship.
“Money was spent in the summer transfer window. He made certain demands, which were met by the Arsenal board. If Arsenal don’t win the championship, I think there will definitely be a change on the bench.
“It’s not going to be easy because you have Liverpool, you have Man City who are there, Chelsea won’t be far behind. But I think Arsenal holds the cards and have the players to win the title.”
