ARSENAL
There was immense disappointment for Arsenal at the end of 2021-22 after they failed to secure a Champions League place, but coach Mikel Arteta is clearly overseeing real progress at the club and so they’ll have every chance of going one better this time. The arrivals of former Manchester City duo Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko are statements of intent and considerably improve what is already an exciting squad full of attacking talent. If they can find the mental resilience to go with their style, then it should be a very strong season for the Gunners.
MANAGER: Mikel Arteta
KEY ARRIVALS: Viera (Porto), Turner (New England Revolution), Marquinhos (Sao Paolo), Gabriel Jesus (Manchester City), Zinchenko (Manchester City)
KEY DEPARTURES: Lacazette (Lyon), Guendouzi (Marseille)
LAST YEAR FINISH: 5th
‘MIKEL ARTETA IS CLEARLY OVER SEEING REAL PROGRESS AT ARSENAL’
ASTON VILLA
This is a club with lofty ambitions and the absolute minimum requirement for Steven Gerrard as he enters his first full season in charge is to finish in the top 10. He was quick to address his side’s defensive deficiencies in the summer by signing the powerful Diego Carlos from Sevilla and France holding midfielder Boubakar Kamara, while also stripping Tyrone Mings of the captaincy. Along with securing Philippe Coutinho on a permanent deal, this leaves Villa well placed to achieve their aim, and possibly even be outsiders for a European place.
MANAGER: Steven Gerrard
KEY ARRIVALS: Coutinho (Barcelona), Diego Carlos (Sevilla), Kamara (Marseille), Olsen (Roma), Augustinsson (Sevilla)
Targett (Newcastle), Hourihane (Derby), Kalinic (Hajduk Split), Trezeguet
