William Saliba confident Arsenal are ready to win the Premier League after key reinforcements
Arsenal defender William Saliba believes the team has matured and is finally ready to end their 21-year Premier League title drought. With new signings boosting the squad, the Frenchman says the Gunners are “already better” heading into the 2025/26 season.
Arsenal ready to turn frustration into glory
Since the legendary Invincibles campaign in 2003/04, Arsenal have been chasing another league title. Under Mikel Arteta, they came close in the last three seasons, finishing as runners-up each time twice behind Manchester City and most recently losing out to Liverpool under Arne Slot.
In an interview with Mirror, Saliba admitted the team had lacked “something extra” in past campaigns but stressed that this season feels different:
“Of course, we’ve finished second for three years in a row, and we know we’ve always missed something. Now it’s a new season, and we have to see what we didn’t do well enough to win the league. We’ll give it our all. We know the new players who have come in will help us, and I’m sure they’ll help us win some trophies. Of course, we’re already better with them.”
Transfer market moves boost optimism
Arsenal have been busy in the transfer window, adding five new players to strengthen key positions:
- Kepa Arrizabalaga (Chelsea) – Goalkeeper
- Noni Madueke (Chelsea) – Winger
- Christian Nørgaard (Brentford) – Midfielder
- Martín Zubimendi (Real Sociedad) – Midfielder
- Viktor Gyökeres (Sporting CP) – Striker
Gyökeres arrives as the marquee signing after scoring 54 goals in 52 games last season in Portugal. Acquired for €65.8 million, the Swedish forward is expected to provide the cutting edge Arsenal lacked in tight matches, though his debut sparked some debate among fans and pundits.
Rumors surrounding Saliba and Rodrygo
Speculation has linked Arsenal with a blockbuster move for Real Madrid’s Rodrygo, with reports suggesting Saliba could be included in negotiations. However, the Gunners have dismissed that possibility, viewing the French defender as a cornerstone of Arteta’s project.
Meanwhile, Madrid coach Xabi Alonso has downplayed talk of Rodrygo’s exit, insisting the Brazilian forward remains part of his plans despite reduced minutes early in the season.
Next up for Arsenal
Arsenal opened the Premier League campaign with a 1-0 victory over Manchester United and will now play their first home match of the season at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, August 23, at 1:30 pm (Brasília time) against Leeds United.
