After a season few expected, spirits are high at Arsenal. The Gunners were tipped to finish outside the top four by most, but shocked the footballing world by challenging Manchester City for the Premier League title.
Despite the disappointing end the positivity continues to surge out of north London. That's what we found as football.london surveyed more than 7,000 Arsenal fans in the Big Forum on a range of different topics, including Mikel Arteta, the summer transfer strategy, Emile Smith Rowe's future and season ticket prices, to get their views on the club.
On a scale where zero is toxic and 100 is the best it's ever been, 1488 of you gave it the top rating and 653 of you gave it a score of 90. Perhaps that stems from a feeling that there wasn't too much more Arsenal could have done to stop Manchester City in the title race. 55% of you stated that it just wasn't to be last season, with only 14% blaming Mikel Arteta and just 11% of fans surveyed feeling that the board were at fault.
This is still the case despite a 5% rise in season ticket prices from last season despite the fact that there will be less games next year. It was a close split when it came to your feelings on the issue with 53% of fans surveyed feeling it was unfair. Regardless of the hike. it seems that the spirits around the Gunners will remain high.
It's this positive atmosphere that many of you feel could be crucial for Arsenal next season. For the first time in seven years the Gunners are set to host Europe's elite at the Emirates Stadium in the Champions League. A whopping 93% of you feel the good vibes in the red half of north London will be key.
Of course the players will be the ones who make the difference. Mikel Arteta has already admitted that his side aren't currently up to scratch when it comes to competing in both the Champions League and Premier League. Kai Havertz has already come in for £65 million and 47% of you feel it would take over £250m in total to bridge the gap, with 52% of fans surveyed thinking it will take at least four signings to raise Arsenal's level. When it comes to where that money needs to be spent your response was clear. A massive 63% of fans surveyed felt that midfield was the part of the squad that needs the most improving, with Declan Rice being a dream transfer for 61% of you.
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While incomings will of course be key, it's going to be a vital summer in terms of outgoings too. Many are set to leave, but when it comes to Arsenal's Hale End stars a few question marks remain. 73% of you gave Emile Smith Rowe a vote of confidence when it comes to whether he has a future at the Emirates, but and 56% of you feel Folarin Balogun should be given a chance in the first team after his impressive loan spell at Stade de Reims last season.
Regardless of who stays or goes though it seems that the majority of fans are optimistic that the good times will continue next season at the Emirates. 90% of you feel that Arsenal will be challenging Manchester City for the title next season, and just 14% of people surveyed feel that the Gunners will finish outside the top two.
