Arsenal

Arsenal

Premier League • England

Pundit feels Arsenal bossing transfer window as Mikel Arteta has eye on incoming rule change

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta

Former Newcastle midfielder Darren Ambrose has praised the transfer work by Arsenal and feels top-four rivals should be worried by Mikel Arteta’s strategy.

The Gunners just missed out on a Champions League place after being pipped to fourth spot by rivals Tottenham. But far from wallow in self-pity, Arteta has been active in the market looking to improve his squad. Fabio Vieira is the standout signing to date, with the north Londoners paying Porto £34m for the forward.

Winger Marquinhos and goalkeeper Matt Turner have also been recruited but it is the players linked that are turning heads. A pair of Brazilians are said to be on their radar, with Manchester City’s Gabriel Jesus and Leeds United’s Raphinha both linked.

Having spent in the region of £160m last summer, the Emirates outfit look set to go big again during the current off-season. Reports claim Arteta could have more than £200m at his disposal.

And the Spanish tactician would need those funds if he is serious about landing the South American duo. Arsenal are clearly trying to challenge the big boys once again.

And Ambrose feels the Gunners chief recognises that having impact players on the bench will be a huge factor in 2022-2023.

“I think Arteta is putting pressure on himself again.” he told talkSPORT. “They spent the most last summer. They’re heading, at the moment, to be spending the most this summer depending on what other clubs do.

“I think it’s great for Arteta. He’s now building a squad, his own squad, a big squad. He seems to be the only manager that realises there’ll be five substitutes next season.

“If they can get those two signings across the line, Jesus and Raphinha, they’re fantastic signings.”

Arteta pushing Arsenal to next level

It looked as though Arsenal would qualify for Europe’s top club competition last term. However, they faltered when it mattered most and will feature in the Europa League instead.

Arsenal verbally agree Gabriel Jesus deal with Manchester City

Arsenal verbally agree Gabriel Jesus deal with Manchester City

Arsenal and Manchester City verbally agree deal for Gabriel Jesus

A few players have already departed and more may well go the same way before the window closes. But the men in red and white will be stronger next season if they do manage to secure their targets.

And former Crystal Palace and Charlton star Ambrose believes other clubs should take note.

Gabriel Jesus training for Manchester City in front of Mikel Arteta

“If you’re Chelsea and Manchester United, where nothing is happening at the moment, just links, you’ve got to be a little bit concerned,” he added.

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