With only five points separating fourth to eighth in the Premier League, it’s far too early to be making definitive plans for next season, however, Mikel Arteta admits, he and Edu will have to be active in the transfer window if the club qualifies for Europe.
The Gunners currently have 18 outfield players in the first team squad and the manager says that’s four short of where he’d ideally like to be if he’s tackling competitions on four fronts.
While Academy youngsters will stake their claim for a promotion, it’s clear that with several players out of contract, we’re facing a busy summer on the recruitment front.
“I am expecting so, yes,” said Arteta when quizzed on the topic.
“I think both competitions [the Champions League and Europa League] require a much larger squad because the amount of games you play is much bigger in both, so I don’t think [which you qualify for] makes a lot of difference or changes a lot.
“If you can financially afford it and we don’t have to do the turnaround in the squad that we’ve had to do, if you ask me what I want it’s 22 outfield players and three goalkeepers.
“You have to come a long way in the aspects that you see on the pitch, it’s a lot of things that have to be put in place, and that takes time.”
Since the turn of the year, the Gunners have regularly included teenagers amongst the substitutes. Even though they’ve not been thrust into action, the club are keen to prime them for future opportunities by giving them a taste of a first team matchday experience.
“It is part of the project and it is part of our DNA,” said Arteta.
“Our academy players have to have opportunities in this club and we want to give them opportunities. But we have to give them when they are ready. We will decide, depending on the game, whether or not they are ready to take that next step.
“When I see them closer I will tell you if they are ready!”
I was about write some stuff about who I think we should buy, but given the purchases made last summer I am more than happy to defer to the ones making the decisions. it seems they know way more about this kind of thing than I do
No I disagree, we should get griezmann, benzema, James Rodriguez, Peter odemwingie and Danny dier
And Yann M’villa. If the past week has taught us anything, it’s we need Partey cover
Surely Loic Remy or Luis Suarez, given out priority to sign strikers.
Top four.
Then Erling Haaland.
Think Big. Think Arsenal. 😉
So far so good at Goodison Park!
Don’t like the Hazard rumour…..much prefer Gakpo
Hazard is too old and may not really be interested anymore. We have had enough over older not interested players lately Young hungry players.
That should read we have had enough of the older, not really interested players lately. You hungry player.
Exactly, Fat, lazy and injury prone….no thanks.
And ex Chelsea and we all know how the last one worked out…
Busy bringing in quality and ready-to-play-first-team-football players, please.
Busy summer? Needed a busier January! Bye bye top 4
Busy summer. But maybe not for Arteta.