Four Arsenal predictions for 2023/24

Arsenal will head into the 2023/24 season with high hopes of adding at least one piece of major silverware to their trophy cabinet.

The Gunners came close to winning the Premier League title last term but were eventually overhauled by Manchester City on the run-in.

The bookmakers rate them as 9/2 second favourites to claim top spot and those odds will undoubtedly be tempting to Arsenal fans.

With under two weeks to go before the new season gets underway, here are four Arsenal predictions for the upcoming campaign.

Arteta will bring the best out of Havertz

Plenty of eyebrows were raised when Arsenal shelled out £65 million to sign Kai Havertz from Chelsea, but the move could prove to be inspired.

Havertz struggled to live up to expectations at Stanford Bridge, although he was not helped by the club’s scattergun antics over the past couple of years.

The 24-year-old still has plenty of time to fulfil his potential, but patience will be needed as he gets to grips with playing in a slightly deeper position.

Manager Mikel Arteta clearly believes Havertz has the ability to thrive in his new role and is expected to get the best out of him as the season progresses.

Arsenal fans need to be patient with Rice

Having splashed out a club-record fee on midfielder Declan Rice, there are huge expectations on him to make an immediate impact on the club.

However, it may take a little time for the England international to get used to the pressure of playing for a club which expects to challenge for major honours.

While Rice has been one of West Ham United’s standout performers in recent years, he does have a frustrating habit of going missing in big games.

Arteta will need to ensure that Rice is switched on at all times if Arsenal are to get value for the £105 million they paid to secure his services.

Timber to become a key player

Jurrien Timber’s move from Ajax to Arsenal has gone under the radar a little, but it could turn out to be one the best transfer deals of the summer.

Timber established himself as one of the best defenders in the Eredivisie with Ajax, sparking interest from several top European clubs.

His versatility makes him a tremendous option for Arsenal and it would be no so surprise to see him feature regularly in the starting XI this season.

Timber’s ability to retain possession and passing accuracy are talents that will fit seamlessly into Arteta’s style of play and he is expected to be a big hit for the club.

Domestic cups are Arsenal’s best chance of silverware

Having spent most of last season in title contention, Arsenal found Man City far too hot to handle during the latter stages of the campaign.

Although the Gunners have strengthened their squad this summer, it is difficult to imagine them finishing ahead of Pep Guardiola’s side this term.

With Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea also likely to be pushing for the top four, Arsenal cannot afford to think their place is assured.

Another top-four finish and winning at least one of the domestic cups would represent progress for the Gunners this season.