Arsenal have been through plenty of change over the past few years, with only four signings from the Unai Emery era at the club remaining - one of which being club-record signing Nicolas Pepe who is currently on loan at OGC Nice. Director Edu's change from experience and high-profile names to younger stars and profiles that fit the squad has begun to show on the pitch.
Orchestrated by head coach Mikel Arteta, the Gunners are beginning to play with a freedom and verve that has otherwise been missing for a while. High-earning but underperforming players have been replaced by hungry and talented players yet to reach their peak.
With their rise in ability has come a rise in Arsenal's performances and results, coming so close to a top-four finish last season, but missing out by the barest of margins. After further investment into the playing squad, the side have shown no sign of a hangover from the previous campaign, sitting top of the Premier League come the first international break.
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For the first time in a long while, it has brought about discussions surrounding the possibility of the Gunners being in with a shout of the title. While it may seem unlikely, given they have to topple the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool in their recent dominance of the league, it could prepare them for what's to come.
As mentioned prior, Edu's strategy has seen young and hungry players come through to showcase their talent, with a certain sustainability in the building of the squad due to that fact. This is shown in a study made by CIES Football Observatory, which claims Arsenal have the joint-youngest squad in the league with an average age of just over 24 years old across their squad.
Compare that to the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool, who have an average age of over 27 years old, respectively. It suggests that, perhaps, those current sides are coming towards the end of their cycle and a rebuild at some point could be on the cards.
In contrast, Arsenal have themselves a relatively balanced squad that may need little changing now when it comes to transfers, with players still developing towards their peak. It could mean Arteta, whether it's this season or the ones to come, may finally have a team that can challenge for the crown as champions of England once again.
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