Leveling Up: Mikel Arteta’s Plan to Take Arsenal to the Next Level
As the new Premier League season approaches, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is gearing up to take his team to the next level. With several signings and departures on the horizon, Arteta is planning to make some significant changes to his squad.
In a recent interview with the Arsenal website, Arteta spoke about the importance of raising the bar and pushing his players to be their best. “For me, the best thing is when they come here on the first day and when they look at us, when they see the attitude and when they see the preparation when they hear the words that we are using to start the preparation for this season, then they go, ‘Wow, this is going up a level again, so what we did last season is not going to be enough. If I want to play and I want to be competing in this team, I’m going to have to do something extra,’” he said.
This is music to the ears of Arsenal supporters, who will be expecting another big season from their team. But what does this mean for the players? Arteta will need to see this level of commitment from all of his players, including potential signings, in the coming weeks.
Moving on Surplus Players
One of the key areas Arteta will need to focus on is moving on players who are not up to the required standard. Already, Mohamed Elneny and Cedric Soares have seen their deals expire, while Albert Sambi Lokonga and Nuno Tavares have joined new sides for the new season.
An offer has been rejected for Emile Smith Rowe, with a growing expectation that he could be sold to Fulham - other clubs are also keen. Eddie Nketiah, Reiss Nelson, Aaron Ramsdale, Thomas Partey, Jakub Kiwior, and more have been linked with sales. While getting money in is not the priority, making room for potential upgrades to the squad is crucial.
Arsenal players in training
Improving the Squad
The big focus, of course, is on the signings the club might and want to make. The priority is in central midfield, with interest in Real Sociedad’s Mikel Merino the most prevalent name at the moment.
However, there is a further need to recruit in the goalkeeping position, having agreed on a deal for Ajax’s Tommy Setford and had a bid rejected for Dan Bentley of Wolves. The club are in ongoing negotiations with Bologna for a deal for Riccardo Calafiori and have a keen interest in reinforcing their forward line too.
Mikel Arteta
As the new season approaches, it’s clear that Arteta is planning to make some significant changes to his squad. With a focus on improving the team’s central midfield and goalkeeping positions, Arsenal supporters will be hoping for a successful season ahead.
What do you think about Arteta’s plans for the new season? Let us know in the comments below.
