For the first time in their entire history, Arsenal have reached the Champions League semi-finals in consecutive seasons. It’s a noteworthy achievement and one they deserve immense praise for.
However, while Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid emerged victorious in pulsating clashes versus Real Madrid and Barcelona respectively, and Paris Saint-Germain swatted aside Liverpool with relative ease, the Gunners stumbled over the line against Sporting CP thanks to a 91st minute Kai Havertz winner in the first-leg.
A subdued 0-0 draw followed at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night, meaning Arsenal have now only won one of their past five matches in all competitions. Their form has stuttered at the worst possible time and they are undoubtedly playing the most unsatisfactory football out of the remaining four clubs in the Champions League.
That isn’t to say they won’t win the competition, but the mood in north London has certainly shifted in recent weeks and the seemingly impenetrable team of late 2025 suddenly have notable chinks in their armour.
Mikel Arteta’s side are still in pole position to win a first Premier League title since 2004 and a first ever Champions League trophy could be on the horizon too, however they must improve quickly if either of those two achievements are to be ticked off.
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE SEMI-FINALISTS ✨ pic.twitter.com/4PGvD6x7jU
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) April 15, 2026
With three losses, one draw and one win in their last five matches, Arsenal have hit a wall and their performance level has dropped by a significant margin. It’s why doubts have crept in regarding their capability of getting over the line in the Premier League and it’s why rival fans have renewed optimism of another trophyless season at the Emirates Stadium.
Regardless of how the remainder of the campaign pans out, it’s abundantly clear that Arteta must loosen the shackles that are currently on his attackers and encourage an elevated level of freedom in advanced areas. He also must sign at least one new forward.
Arsenal need a new forward
The onus was on Sporting to attack on Wednesday night, with Havertz’s late winner last week providing the level of comfort that Arsenal needed to simply stay compact and worry very little about attacking.
It was a game of limited quality and it resulted in just 0.69xG being created in open play by both teams combined – with Arsenal accounting for 0.48 of that total. Given the occasion, and the fact Arteta’s side didn’t need to score if they kept a clean sheet, the game plan made sense.
But it follows a worrying trend whereby Arsenal look devoid of creativity and confidence in attack. The rigid system deployed by Arteta has restricted any individual flair and none of the Gunners’ attackers look willing to make something happen out of nothing, bar perhaps 16-year-old Max Dowman.
Most concerningly, during the 2-1 defeat to Bournemouth on Saturday, Arsenal’s open play xG was a mere 0.18. In a crucial game that could end up deciding the title race, they were simply unable to create a number of meaningful chances, and Manchester City closed the gap on Sunday afternoon with an excellent 3-0 victory over Chelsea.
The Gunners have only netted three goals in their last five games and without set pieces, they look incredibly unlikely to score right now. It’s something that must be addressed in the summer. By Arteta – in regards to his tactical system – and by sporting director Andrea Berta – in regards to recruitment.
Arsenal need at least one new attacker this summer and, if possible, adding two would prove invaluable. A new left winger is certainly required, while another centre forward would be incredibly useful given that Gabriel Jesus is likely to be sold.
Who that may be isn’t yet known, but FootballTransfers understands that Newcastle United star Anthony Gordon is a top target, while AC Milan’s Rafael Leao also remains on the club’s radar.
Rekindling their interest in Athletic Club winger Nico Williams would be a smart decision too, although his form has dipped amid an ongoing pubalgia problem this season.
Julian Alvarez is regarded as a top target for the striker position and going all-out to sign the Atletico Madrid superstar would provide Arsenal with a forward capable of burying any chances they are able to create.
Signing new forwards won’t be enough, however. Arteta must also move away from his regimented, pragmatic style in order to revive a feel-good atmosphere that is slowly dissipating amongst Arsenal fans.
Football transfer news headlines today
Transfer Rumours: Chelsea in Real Madrid boost as Romano drops Rogers confirmation
EXCLUSIVE: Brian Brobbey to leave Sunderland in record deal
Man Utd Transfer News Today: €70m striker chased as official statement made
Chelsea Transfer News Today: €85m deal targeted as scouting mission confirmed
Arsenal Transfer News Today: Kvaratskhelia wants to join as €120m deal explodes into life
The FootballTransfers app
Check out FootballTransfers’ new app for all of football’s big storylines, transfer rumours and exclusive news in one convenient place directly on your mobile device.
The FootballTransfers app is available on Google Play and in the Apple App Store. Download here:
•Google Play
•App Store
