Arteta Says Arsenal Must Buy Well to Win Trophies

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says buying the right players is a key part of winning trophies. He believes having great players is essential to lifting silver trophies, especially as Arsenal look forward to what he previously described as “an exciting summer”.

What happened?

Ahead of Arsenal‘s final Premier League match of the season, Arteta said: “If you want to win major trophies, you have to be the best in the market. The teams that win have the best players, always, at this level.” His comments come at a critical time for the Gunners as they sit second in the Premier League, with Liverpool having already been crowned champions. Arsenal’s impressive performances throughout the season have ultimately been in vain in their trophy hunt, with Paris Saint-Germain also sealing their spot in the Champions League final at the expense of the Gunners earlier this month.

The bigger picture

Arteta’s comments are in line with his recent admission that Arsenal’s lack of squad depth has been problematic this season. The Gunners have been hampered by injuries, especially up front, with Arteta left without a recognised centre-forward for the majority of the run-in. Arsenal sit in second place on 68 points, just two clear of Newcastle United ahead of the final round of matches. The Gunners are expected to be busy when the window opens and the club are expected to announce their first signing in the coming days, with Martin Zubimendi reportedly close to joining from Real Sociedad.

Arsenal are also understood to be considering moves for Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia, Athletic Club forward Nico Williams, as well as the likes of Benjamin Sesko, Viktor Gyokeres and Alexander Isak to bolster their attacking options.

Arteta’s transfer track record

Arteta has already showed a willingness to make bold transfer decisions, including signing David Raya from Brentford in what he admitted was an “unpopular” decision. However, the move has paid off and Raya is now on the verge of winning the Premier League Golden Glove after overcoming an early wobble.

What next for Arsenal?

It could be a summer of change in north London, with several players expected to head for the exit door. Thomas Partey and Jorginho are both into the final months of their contracts, with the latter having already agreed a free transfer to Flamengo, according to several reports. The squad appears determined to come back stronger next season, with Arteta revealing a number of players are planning to cut their summer holidays short.

Arsenal finish the Premier League season at home to Newcastle on Sunday, knowing a victory will be enough to guarantee second place and a runners-up medal. Arteta’s thoughts have already turned to next season, with the manager viewing this as an important window to bring in players to help them challenge for the title next season.