Mikel Arteta made an interesting statement in a recent interview.
The Spaniard basically said that Arsenal may not need to go on a huge spending spree this summer, and he makes a great case for it as well:
‘We’ve been hit with important, long-term injuries the whole season that really, really affect the team. I always said I would like to see this team playing with the same XI for 10-15 games – then we could talk about if we were good enough or not.’
Would we be able to challenge for the title with a fully fit side? In my view, I think if we were playing the way we are now then yes I think we could, but to have a run of 10-15 games without an injury would be something impossible to envisage at Arsenal. So I do think that we need to replace some players and bring in better replacements this summer, there’s no doubt about that. However, if we could have everyone back fit from injury and playing like we are now then the prospect of lifting the title at the end of next season is highly likely.
Arteta went on to say:
‘Obviously if you spend a lot of money to bring in top players you have a better chance because you have a bigger squad and you can change the team around but, for me, a key thing with our squad is the injuries. Now we’re starting to do it and we are starting to get really good results. So for me the biggest concern is to stop the injuries.’
It shows this season how well the players can do if they stay fit and injury free. Robin van Persie is a prime example of this. The Dutchman has missed a number of games through injuries in the last couple of season, but is currently enjoying the form of his life with 33 goals to his name already this season.
Arsenal have all but confirmed the deal of Lukas Podolski this summer, with FC Koln stalling the confirmation of the deal until the end of the season to avoid a fan backlash after they lost their last game 6-1.
Arteta also echoed the importance of keeping Robin van Persie at the club, claiming he is one of the best in Europe:
‘It’s very important he stays, He’s the one who’s been making the difference and you need someone to put the ball in the net, and Robin has done it more than any other player in the Premier League.
‘He’s probably one of the best in Europe which means without him it wouldn’t be the same.
‘I don’t know how you would replace him, but we don’t want to be in that situation.’
I think Arteta is right in everything he has said, and he is definitely looking on the bright side, which is great to hear. Arsenal will have a great chance to win the title IF our squad can reframe from picking up long-term injuries
But what do you guys think?
Is Arteta right in what he’s saying?
If we have a full strength squad fit and raring to go next season, could we challenge for the title?
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He doesn’t want Arsenal to spend because he will be out the team. Once Wilshere is back he will be out and if they buy M’Vila or Martinez he definitely will be.
Will, have you watched Arteta and Arsenal this seson?
He’s been one of our best players, in front of both Rosicky and Ramsey.
He has allowed Song to become the player he is this season because Alex knows he can trust him to cover his runs.
All season we have talked about the “squad” and how we need plan “B”.
This man is quality and we need him to bring his experience in to bring the best out of Wilshere,Diaby,Ramsey etc.
Lets hope he doesnt read views like yours mate, otherwise he might take his talents elsewhere!!!
even if wilshere or al this big names are in arsenal arteta cannt b out bcus he s as good as al of thm,2ruely d club dnt ned 2 spnd much bcus 4rm our recent form u cn c dt our problm s injury n the player r bgin 2 avoid it, jst litle spendin next seasn n we r gud 2 go
He must proof himself,why we wont the club spend money,players like Ramsey,Diaby,walcot,Arshavin,etc should look for another club.Arteta kindly proof yourself.
That first guy’s coments, you need to shut up your mouth when you have nothing good to say! arteta is quite rite and next season you will see what he saying is correct.And thank god you are not arsene,to know who will be in from who will be out,
Arteta is very right, City hv spent too much bt r in th verge of walking trophiless. Wat Wenger needs is spending wisely by buying key playas n offloading th Chamaks, Almunia,Squilaci,Djorou,Arsharvin,maybe Park n replace thm with new players n upcomings like Coqueline,Fringpong,Yenaris and th likes.