Arteta sends worrying message over Arsenal summer transfer plans
Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta admits he has “big concerns” over whether he will get the finances to mount a title challenge.
The Gunners boss watched on as his side beat newly-crowned champions Liverpool on Wednesday night.
Arsenal were gifted both of their goals in a 2-1 win after Sadio Mane had put the visitors ahead.
Virgil Van Dijk was caught in possession by Reiss Nelson, who found Alexandre Lacazette to level the game before the roles were reversed with Arsenal pouncing on an error from goalkeeper Alisson.
Nelson tucked away his first Premier League goal. That result has left Arsenal with a lingering chance of qualifying for Europe next season.
But, in terms of putting together a side capable of fighting at the top of the league, Arteta pointed to the constrained financial situation at Arsenal as a reason why they may struggle to do so.
Asked whether he will get the finances to build a title challenge, Arteta told Sky Sports: “I don’t know. It is a big concern because you see how they build the squads.
“It is not magic, you need to improve with quality players in the squad. You need a bigger squad to compete in this competition and that is going to be the challenge.”
Arsenal stars rested ahead of cup semi
Arteta made five changes for the game with an eye on Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final clash with Manchester City.
The likes of captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Hector Bellerin and Dani Ceballos dropped to the bench. But Arteta was delighted with the preparation for their cup tie.
“In terms of energy and happiness before a semi-final, it was the best medicine,” he said.
“We had a bit of luck but the belief was good. Before, going behind, I think we could have gone down but we reacted.
“You only need to look at the difference between the two teams, the gap is enormous. But the energy, commitment and fight between the two teams is equal. And the rest will come. It will take time but we can create something.”