On Tuesday, Arsenal kick off their Champions League campaign against Athletic Bilbao, fueled by a rejuvenated attack following a summer spending spree.
Last season, Mikel Arteta’s squad reached the semifinals of Europe’s elite competition for the first time since 2009, falling to eventual champions Paris Saint-Germain.
In the Premier League, Arsenal finished as runners-up for a third straight year, partly due to an underperforming forward line.
To address this, Arteta bolstered the team during the off-season, bringing in Viktor Gyokeres, Noni Madueke, and Eberechi Eze to enhance the attack’s power and depth.
With Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, and Gabriel Jesus injured in the season’s early weeks, the costly upgrades have already paid off.
The new trio shone in Saturday’s 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest.
Madueke has excelled during Saka’s absence, while Gyokeres scored against Forest, tallying three goals in four matches.
Eze, on his full debut, assisted Gyokeres from the left wing, while Martin Zubimendi scored twice, marking his first Arsenal goals since his summer move from Real Sociedad.
Arsenal has won three of their first four league games, only losing 1-0 to Liverpool due to Szoboszlai’s stunning late free-kick.
Pressure mounts on Arteta to secure the club’s first trophy since 2020 after significant transfer market investments.
“It’s not about what we want to do, but what we must do,” said the Basque coach, returning to his home region this week.
‘It’s a thrill for me’
Before their Champions League opener in Bilbao, a setback emerged with Martin Odegaard’s shoulder injury against Forest.
Arteta hasn’t ruled the Norwegian out for Spain, saying: “We’ll assess with the doctors, but I’m sure he’ll push to be fit for Tuesday.”
If Odegaard is unavailable, Eze and others must lead the attack against Athletic, aiming for a strong European start.
Arsenal has never won the Champions League and last claimed the Premier League in 2004.
Ending this drought would be a dream for Eze, released by Arsenal at 13.
The England star has risen since, returning to Arsenal after shining in Palace’s FA Cup triumph last season.
Now, he’s set for his Champions League debut.
“It’s a thrill for me. This is why I play football. These are the opportunities I cherish, so I’m savoring every moment,” Eze said.
“It’s special, and not everyone gets to enjoy these experiences.”
