Arsenal’s Champions League Loss Made Clear What Signings Are Needed

LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 17: Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal, applauds the fans following the team’s victory during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Wolverhampton Wanderers FC at Emirates Stadium on August 17, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images)

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In a season dominated by Arsenal on the domestic front, Saturday brought continental disappointment for Mikel Arteta and his players. After taking the lead inside the first six minutes, the Gunners couldn’t hold on in the Champions League final, ultimately losing to Paris Saint-Germain in a penalty shootout.

Against the defending European champions, Arsenal lacked the creative and attacking tools to score more than once. Arteta has forged the strongest defensive unit in Europe, but the Gunners ultimately needed more than that to get their hands on the Champions League trophy for the first time in their history.

When Arteta made changes in the second half in an attempt to swing the match back towards his side, he only had Gabriel Martinelli to use off the bench as a vertical threat. The Brazilian was meant to give Arsenal another dangerous forward on the break with PSG affording the Premier League team space to attack.

Martinelli had an opportunity to get Arsenal in behind and through on goal, but he squandered the chance, overplaying the pass to a teammate when the Gunners had a man-advantage. Arteta is surely aware that he needs better options in the final third of the pitch.

Arsenal has been linked with a summer move for Julian Alvarez who reportedly wants to depart Atletico Madrid. Barcelona is also chasing the Argentinean international, but a move to the Premier League champions could appeal to Alvarez. He would be an upgrade on the Gunners’ current attacking options.

On the left wing, Arteta has a choice between Martinelli and Leandro Trossard. Eberechi Eze can also operate in that position, but the former Crystal Palace player is more effective in the centre of the pitch. This is where Arsenal can surely find a better, more accomplished option on the left side of its forward line.

Another creative midfield would also be helpful. Martin Zubimendi has proved his worth since making the move to North London from Real Sociedad last year, but the Spaniard was dropped from the lineup for Saturday’s Champions League final. It was decided Myles Lewis-Skelly would offer more energy and coverage in the centre of the pitch.

Arteta has given Arsenal a strong basis over the last six years. The Spaniard has turned the Gunners into the strongest side in the Premier League and one of the strongest in Europe. With the right moves in the transfer market, Saturday’s beaten finalists will be back on that stage soon enough.