After summer signings, Mikel Arteta is condemned to winning the Premier League title this season

Arsenal’s bold summer signings, led by Viktor Gyokeres and Ebere Eze, leave Mikel Arteta with no excuses in the hunt for Premier League glory.

Mikel Arteta has been armed to deliver the title, will he move one step further after three successive second place finishes? (Photo credit: Sky Sports)

It's the infamous international break, and while many are praying that their favourite players don't pick up injuries during international games, we have decided to take a look at Arsenal's summer dealings and where it leaves the team.

Where were they before the summer window?

Second again for the third straight year, prompting many to wonder if it's time for Mikel Arteta to throw in the towel, but the club backed him greatly in the just-concluded window, signing eight new players who aren't inferior in any way.

The belief last season was that the Gunners missed a huge chance following Manchester City's slip, and with Liverpool winning the title last season, Arteta doesn't have an excuse going forward.

How did they fare in the transfer window?

Andrea Berta came in with a huge reputation, and he hasn't disappointed. Oliver Twist types among the Arsenal ranks would nitpick by asking why he wasn't able to offload players on permanent terms, but how could he have done that with the ridiculous wages they were on?

Arsenal signed three players that were believed to be for depth – Kepa Arrizabalaga, who will deputise for David Raya, a cheaper alternative to the £35m asking price for Joan Garcia; Berta brought in Christian Norgaard when it became obvious that Thomas Partey wouldn't renew, and Jorginho was off to Brazil. Christian Mosquera also joined as a cut-price backup to William Saliba.

Arsenal's primary need, going into the summer, was a potent striker. Many believed they would have fared better in recent seasons with a proven goalscorer, and Berta delivered Viktor Gyokeres, who became cheaper than Benjamin Sesko. Arsenal needed quality backup for Bukayo Saka; Berta brought in Noni Madueke, and the much-needed Martin Zubimendi was signed to replace Thomas Partey.

The icing on the cake was the signing of Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace. A dream move for both parties, as Arsenal can now rely on the England playmaker's creativity when things are hectic. It didn't stop there; Piero Hincapie joined from Bayer Leverkusen on loan with an option to buy, adding solidity to the defence that already looks terrifying.

These businesses look like the best in Europe, and you just must credit Berta and the Arsenal hierarchy for sanctioning these deals that are set to propel Arsenal to greatness this season and beyond. For sales, Albert Sambi Lokonga is gone, and Jakob Kiwior left for Porto on loan with an obligation to buy, while Reis Nelson, Alexander Zinchenko and Karl Hein all left on loan with no obligations.

Where does this leave Arsenal?

You cannot see past the title. It won't be easy considering how much some opponents strengthened. Mikel Arteta must earn his stripes now. He has gotten his men, and a major silverware must be delivered at the end of the season. Arteta must play to the strength of Viktor Gyokeres; he must trust Ebere Eze to create magic, and he must learn to make substitutions early in games where he needs answers. He cannot afford to fail this season.