Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says he will need several more transfer windows before he can develop a team to make a serious challenge for the Premier League title.
The boss has been speaking to Sky Sports ahead of Sunday night’s Premier League clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Emirates.
When discussing a future title challenge, Arteta said it will take time:
“That takes a few [transfer] windows at least to do that.
“To establish yourself to compete at the level of certain clubs, in this league it’s near 100 points, it takes time.”
Mikel Arteta lost just one of his first 11 Premier League games in charge of Arsenal, replacing Unai Emery after Freddie Ljungberg had been the interim. We then went on to beat Chelsea in the FA Cup final and the future looked very bright.
However, we’ve made an inconsistent start to the new season. A 1-0 win away to Manchester United was followed up by a hideous 0-3 loss at home to Aston Villa. We’d been beaten by Leicester City in our previous home game too, and were lucky to come away from Elland Road with a 0-0 last weekend.
The boss is right though, he needs to make this his team. There are still plenty of players around that are unlikely to be long-term fixtures in his squad as he starts to develop youngsters into regular first team players and bring in fresh talent during the transfer windows.
So far though his transfer activity has been more hit than miss. Pablo Mari and Cedric Soares were the first two arrivals but neither has come close to establishing themselves as first team regulars.
Willian arrived on a free transfer from Chelsea this summer, and after a superb debut, has gone missing in most games.
Gabriel does look like an excellent acquisition and the Brazilian centre-back only turns 23 next month. Time will tell how Thomas Partey turns out, currently sidelined, but certainly a player I’m excited about, as are most Gooners.
The goal for this season? It has to be aiming for a top four finish, Mikel.
