Gary Neville has praised Arsenal for clinching their first Premier League title in 20 years but believes Mikel Arteta's side must strengthen in two specific areas to mount a sustained title defence. The Manchester United legend offered measured analysis on his Sky Sports podcast, acknowledging the Gunners' remarkable achievement while pinpointing potential vulnerabilities ahead of next season's campaign.
Arsenal secured the crown with a commanding 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace on the final day, finishing seven points clear of Manchester City. The triumph caps a remarkable turnaround for a club that finished second for four consecutive seasons before finally breaking through. Neville emphasised the magnitude of Arteta's transformation, noting that the Spanish manager has earned his credentials as a title-winning coach.
Where Arsenal Could Strengthen
While celebrating the Gunners' success, Neville identified two pressing recruitment priorities. The pundit questioned whether Arsenal possess adequate backup to Viktor Gyokeres as a centre-forward option, suggesting the club may need to explore the market for additional attacking depth. He also highlighted midfield resilience as a concern, specifically wondering if the squad has sufficient reinforcement should key operators like Declan Rice or Martin Zubimendi face injury setbacks.
"Arsenal will need to add again [in the transfer market]," Neville stated, though he deliberately resisted over-scrutinising their squad composition immediately following their title coronation. His measured tone reflected respect for the magnitude of their achievement, suggesting that intensive transfer discussion could wait until after the Champions League final and other summer commitments conclude.
Despite identifying areas for improvement, Neville acknowledged Arsenal's overall squad strength and depth across multiple positions. The club currently stands as bookmakers' favourites to retain their title next season, with their young core now possessing the priceless asset of a Premier League winners' medal. Arsenal's pursuit of back-to-back crowns will define their 2025-26 campaign and determine whether this represents the beginning of sustained dominance or a single-season peak.
