LONDON –Arsenal begin their pursuit of Champions League success on Tuesday when they face Athletic Bilbao, powered by a revitalised and dynamic frontline that has been transformed by a bold summer transfer window.
After reaching the Champions League semi-finals for the first time since 2009 last season—only to be knocked out by eventual champions Paris Saint-Germain—Arsenal are hungry to go one step further this time.
Their domestic form last season told a similar story of near-misses. Mikel Arteta’s men finished as Premier League runners-up for the third consecutive year, undone in part by a lack of cutting edge in attack when it mattered most.
Determined not to repeat those shortcomings, Arsenal invested heavily in offensive reinforcements during the summer, landing Viktor Gyokeres, Noni Madueke, and Eberechi Eze to inject pace, creativity, and goal-scoring power into the squad.
And with injuries to key stars such as Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, and Gabriel Jesus early in the campaign, that investment is already proving invaluable.
Arsenal’s Summer Signings Shine Bright Ahead of Bilbao Test
Arsenal head into Tuesday’s Champions League opener in confident form, having thumped Nottingham Forest 3-0 over the weekend. The new signings stole the spotlight.
Swedish striker Gyokeres has hit the ground running, scoring three goals in his first four appearances. He added another to his tally on Saturday, pouncing on a low cross from debutant Eze.
Eberechi Eze, making his first full start for Arsenal, was electric on the left wing. Beyond his assist, he looked sharp, intelligent, and fearless—qualities that earned him the move back to the club that released him at age 13.
Meanwhile, Noni Madueke continues to thrive in Saka’s absence, tormenting defenders with his pace and directness.
The icing on the cake was Martin Zubimendi, the Spanish midfielder signed from Real Sociedad, who bagged a brace—his first goals in Arsenal colours.
Arteta was pleased but cautious: “The players are responding brilliantly. But this is just the start. We know the expectations.”
The clash against Athletic Bilbao is special for Arteta, who hails from the Basque region of Spain. The Arsenal manager knows that Champions League success is non-negotiable if the Gunners are to break their long-standing trophy drought.
“It doesn’t matter what we want to do, it is what we have to do,” said Arteta. “There’s pressure, but it’s good pressure. We’re building something special.”
That pressure is mounting after years of heavy investment, and fans are eager to see a return on that spending—preferably in the form of silverware. Arsenal’s last major trophy came in 2020, and their last Premier League title dates back to 2004. The Champions League trophy has eluded them entirely.
One concern heading into the Bilbao clash is the fitness of club captain Martin Odegaard, who was forced off after just 17 minutes against Forest with a shoulder injury.
Arteta offered an update: “We have to assess him with the doctors and see, but I’m sure he will try his best to be fit for Tuesday.”
If Odegaard is unavailable, the creative burden may fall on Eze and Zubimendi to dictate play and drive Arsenal forward in their opening European fixture.
For Eberechi Eze, Tuesday’s match will be more than just a football game—it’s a moment of personal redemption.
Released by Arsenal as a 13-year-old, Eze’s rise to the top has been nothing short of inspirational. His dazzling displays for Crystal Palace, especially during their FA Cup-winning campaign, earned him a second chance in north London.
Now, Eze is set to make his Champions League debut—for the very club that once let him go.
“It’s fun for me. This is why I play football,” Eze said. “These are the opportunities you want. This is it for me, so I am enjoying it as much as I can.”
“It’s special. Not everyone gets to experience these types of moments.”
With a fresh attacking lineup, a manager returning home with fire in his belly, and a fanbase craving European glory, Arsenal have all the ingredients to make this Champions League campaign one to remember.
Their journey begins in Bilbao—but how far they go may depend on whether this new-look Arsenal side can turn potential into performance when it matters most.
Source- EWN
