If it is up to Mikel Arteta, Arsenal will buy several new players this summer. In conversation with the BBC, The Gunners’ coach said that the club needs reinforcements to become champions.
Arteta knows that Arsenal needs reinforcements
Arsenal led the Premier League for a long time last season, but eventually finished second, five points behind Manchester City. Arteta revealed, “After ten months of contention with City, I still feel deeply saddened that I didn’t win the Premier League.”
The cause, in Arteta’s opinion, was double. He observed firsthand that Arsenal could compete effectively but lacked depth in its roster. “There were three or four significant player injuries,” he added. “Things became tough from there. We were reliable when we had the entire squad.”
That is why the Spaniard hopes that Arsenal can strengthen itself considerably in the coming months. “That’s the level and to win the Premier League you have to be the best. That’s why you need to get stronger. Next season will be the toughest competition in Premier League history. I’ve been here for 22 years and I’ve never seen such a competitive level. So much excellence, organisation, resources, and outstanding trainers,” he said.
However, the strength of rival Manchester City was also a factor in the issue. “The squad we faced up against was the finest in the world, led by the best coach in the world. We were forced to accept it and shake hands with the victor,” said Arteta.
Ødegaard admits: “This will always hurt”
For virtually the whole season, Arsenal was in the lead of the Premier League, but a strong Manchester City team passed them at the finish line. The wound-licking in North London is still going on, and Martin Ødegaard believes it will never stop.
That is what he told Viaplay. “We faced a squad that was unbeatable; it was thrilling, but we lost our momentum after three consecutive draws. I believe that I shall live with regret because of this. We were very close, I almost fulfilled my dream. We have to try again next year,” said the Norwegian, who just lost against his compatriot Erling Haaland.
In his shadow, Ødegaard also played a great season, he also realised that. “Yes, I delivered, I scored, this was a good season. I was more important to the team, but the end of the season still hurts. I have mixed feelings about it,” he said. The new season in England starts on August 12 and Arsenal opens the hunt for a first league title in twenty years at home against Nottingham Forest.
