Summer investment key to Arsenal's future success

If Mikel Arteta is to succeed, club must spend, and spend wisely



Summer investment key to Arsenal's future success

Aubameyang – Securing him is a ‘non-negotiable’ (Photo – Offside)


There's no arguing that it has been a very indifferent end to the season for football, but from an Arsenal perspective, there hasn't really been much change on the pitch. Without their FA Cup final victory over Chelsea, Arsenal would be looking at a campaign with no European competition, which is all but unheard at the Emirates.

There is, however, no doubt amongst supporters that current manager Mikel Arteta is the right man for the job. The former Arsenal midfielder, who has been learning his trade from one the best managers in world football for the past few seasons, is clearly trying to bring an identity to his current squad.

The growing concern for Arteta is the lack of depth within his current side, with investment clearly required if he is able to get his team anywhere near the Champions League places next season.

Arsenal are trying to nurture plenty of youngsters into their squad, which is always appreciated by fans. There are a handful of players that have recently been integrated into the first team. Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Buyako Saka and Joe Willock have all made the step up in recent years, showcasing the academy is still producing players capable of challenging at the right end of the Premier League. All of these players have been accepted by the Arsenal faithful, with Saka even taking the famous no.7 shirt in recent weeks.

However, these youngsters still need quality, assured players around them, in order to thrive and succeed - something Arsenal are lacking, and Arteta is very much aware of. It is going to be an important transfer window for the Spaniard, who will need the full backing from the board to turn Arsenal back into a European side.

Despite the lack of investment in recent times, it would have been highly unlikely for Arteta to step away from his post at Manchester City if transfer funds were not promised to him, as he moved back to North London. Gone are the days when Arsenal's name could be found in the list for the Champions League odds and this looks set to continue, as bookies suggest Arsenal will struggle to finish in the top four next season if they do not add quality to their ranks, as they are currently joint-seventh favourites at odds of 5/1.

Another major concern Arteta has is making sure he keeps his star players, in order to build and attract further talent to the Emirates. Current captain, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who finished the season with 22 league goals narrowly behind Golden Boot winner Jamie Vardy, is attracting the attention of many top European clubs.

Now at the age of 31, the Gabonese striker will know his career is starting to reach the latter stages, and has a huge decision to make if he wants to challenge for titles and whether he can achieve his goals with the current Arsenal side.

The departure of Arsenal's top goalscorer could be a vital moment in the future of the club. Without a striker lined up to replace him, Arteta's problems will only increase, and luring a top class striker to a side who aren't playing in the Champions League is already a major concern. Early Premier League predictions indicate despite the faith in Arteta, it may well be another bleak campaign for the Gunners, who may struggle without European football next season.

There's no doubting it is a big month or two ahead for Arsenal and Arteta, who will be hoping to secure a fair few talented players who have experience and the drive to turn Arsenal's recent fortunes around.


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