EPL: Arteta advised to strengthen one weak Arsenal position for sustained title challenge

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta (Credit: Imago)

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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has been advised to improve the squad's midfield (Credit: Imago)

EPL: Arteta advised to strengthen one weak Arsenal position for sustained title challenge

Seye Omidiora 11:11 - 25.07.2024

A former Arsenal midfielder wants the Gunners boss to add quality to the club’s weakest area this summer.

Erstwhile Arsenal player Stewart Robson wants Mikel Arteta to add bodies to the club’s midfield in a bid to win the club’s first Premier League title since 2004. 

The Gunners ended last season with 89 points but fell short to Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, who notched a fourth consecutive triumph in the 2023-24 campaign

Arsenal have been the club’s closest challengers in back-to-back years, and they are viewed as pre-season favourites to push the club chasing a fifth consecutive league crown. 

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta | Imago
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta | Imago Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta | Imago

What Robson said about Arteta’s squad

Speaking on ESPN, Robson stated that Arsenal’s midfield needs improving despite the presence of last season’s club-record arrival Declan Rice as well as Thomas Partey and Jorginho. 

“In midfield, if they want to play Declan Rice slightly higher up the field and be more advanced, is Jorginho the best midfield player they can have in that holding midfield role or Thomas Partey? I think that’s an area they can improve," said Robson. "Another central midfield player.”

What comes next?

Arsenal’s first pre-season friendly ended 1-1 against Bournemouth, with Antoine Semenyo's 73rd-minute equaliser cancelling Fabio Vieira's 18th-minute goal. Arteta's team won 5-4 on penalties. 

The Gunners’ next tune-up match for the forthcoming Premier League season comes against Manchester United on July 28.