The Premier League starts in 14 days. Will Arsenal be ready?

As August looms on the horizon, Arsenal is in its final countdown for the start of the 2021/2022 Premier League campaign. The Gunners kick-off match is just two weeks from today.

Yet, there is so much work to be done in the front office to finalize Mikel Arteta’s squad for this season. Ben White, Nuno Tavares and Albert Sambi Lokonga are the newest signings. Lokonga and Tavares have already seen some preseason action. Ben White’s deal was announced today, while all the rest of our transfer list remain as possibilities, rumors, or just plain wishful thinking.

The Gunners will definitely not be fielding the same starting on August 13th v Brentwood that they will on September 11th v Norwich City. Once again, this season’s squad will be in transition through at least the end of September (if not longer) before all players are signed, training and getting to know Arteta’s tactics and their new teammates. Thus, the chemistry building will probably take us into October.

Personally, I like the transfer window closing before the start of the league’s schedule. It makes more sense for clubs to be finalized and playing together before they kick-off the regular season. This summer’s window doesn’t close until the 31st, an additional 18 days after the Premier League begins. For Arsenal, having a strong start this season is so important, and with Chelsea and Manchester City among our first four matches, we really can’t afford to hesitate too much.

By this time of the summer we Gooners are exhausted watching the transfer news and rumors flying around on a daily basis. Arsenal has been linked to so many players this window it would make your head swim. Some make sense, while others have been utterly ridiculous. I, for one, am once again frustrated by the club’s approach to signing new players. At this point of the window, you are looking for the best deals, but if you wait too long only the rejected merchandise will be left on the shelf.

Mikel and Edu, I know you are working hard, and are trying to do what’s best for our club, but please, don’t wait too long. We still need help at key positions! Regards. Gunner1953.

Cheers!