Mikel Arteta, the manager of Arsenal, is adamant about his team’s chances of challenging Liverpool for the Premier League title this season despite facing setbacks. After two consecutive losses that have frustrated fans, the Gunners find themselves six points behind Liverpool, with the Reds having a game in hand. The prospect of making up this deficit seems daunting, yet Arteta remains confident and is determined to keep the fight alive until the final day of the season.
Arsenal’s current situation, while far from ideal, has not shaken Arteta’s belief in his squad’s ability to mount a serious challenge for the title. Although Arsenal’s form has fluctuated, Arteta sees this as part of the journey toward building a more competitive team. Having finished as runners-up in the previous two seasons with 84 and 89 points, Arteta believes his team is capable of winning the title. However, despite the disappointment of not having secured a Premier League title in those seasons, he sees the experience as a source of motivation.
Liverpool’s dominance in the league this season has placed them six points clear of Arsenal, but Arteta insists that the season is far from over. He understands the pressure his team is under but remains focused on what they can control. Speaking to Sky Sports, Arteta emphasized the importance of staying grounded and working on improvements. He acknowledged that the title race is a long one, with plenty of games still to be played, and that a few results could drastically change the standings.
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“I think there’s a lot of noise around the title race, but it’s nonsense,” Arteta said. “There are a lot of games to go, and in this league, everything can change with one, two, or three results. We have to stay focused on what we can control. The goal is to keep improving every day, and we’ll see where we are when the season ends.”
Arteta’s words reflect his belief in his team’s ability to continue improving. Despite not winning the title in the last two years, he maintains that the experience has been invaluable, providing valuable lessons on how to handle the pressures of competing for top honors.
One of the biggest challenges Arsenal faces this season is the need for more firepower. After the departure of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, the team has struggled to find a consistent goal scorer. Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz have shown flashes of brilliance but have also underperformed at times. With Bukayo Saka’s injury further complicating matters, Arsenal’s attacking options have been stretched thin.
Saka’s absence has been particularly impactful. The England international, who has been one of Arsenal’s standout performers, is expected to be sidelined for over two months due to a hamstring injury sustained before Christmas. With Saka out of action, Arteta has been forced to rely on younger players, such as 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri, to step up. Nwaneri, who started in the 3-1 victory over Brentford, has shown great promise, but it is clear that Arsenal needs more experienced attacking options to maintain their challenge.
Arteta has spoken about the need to strengthen the squad during the January transfer window. “Naturally, it happens,” he said when asked about potential signings. “There’s the opportunity to improve the squad and bring players you believe can make an impact. We are always open to that.” However, Arteta also emphasized that improving the team’s existing players was just as important as bringing in new talent. The manager has always been someone who values development and improvement, and he believes that the team can still get more out of its current roster.
In Saka’s absence, Arteta has given Nwaneri more responsibility, and the teenager has responded with strong performances. Despite the optimism surrounding Nwaneri, the reality is that Arsenal needs a more established goal scorer to complement their young talent. With the Premier League title at stake, the Gunners’ reliance on Nwaneri and other younger players may not be enough to challenge Liverpool and the other top teams.
One potential solution to Arsenal’s attacking woes is the acquisition of a new striker. Reports have linked the Gunners with a move for Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak, who has been in outstanding form this season. The Swedish international has scored 15 goals and provided four assists in 22 appearances, making him one of the most sought-after strikers in Europe.
Isak’s performance against Arsenal in the Carabao Cup, where he played a crucial role in Newcastle’s 2-0 victory at the Emirates, further highlighted his capabilities. His ability to score goals and create chances has caught the attention of Arteta, who is said to be a huge admirer of the forward.
However, Arsenal’s pursuit of Isak faces significant obstacles. According to reports, the club may struggle to afford the striker, as signing him would likely require a British record transfer fee. Newcastle is under no pressure to sell, and sources close to the club have stated that there is no asking price for Isak. Despite this, Arsenal is reportedly interested in the player, but only if certain conditions change at the club.
One major factor influencing Arsenal’s transfer business is the potential for player departures. Gabriel Jesus, Oleksandr Zinchenko, and Thomas Partey are all players whose futures are uncertain, with the possibility of moves in the summer or even during the January window. If these players depart, Arsenal may have the financial resources to pursue Isak more seriously. However, for now, the club is focusing on outgoings and may delay any significant moves until later in the year.
While Arteta remains hopeful of strengthening his squad, he is aware of the financial constraints the club faces. The Gunners are not struggling to comply with the Profit and Sustainability Rules, but they must stay within them. As a result, any move for Isak may have to wait until the summer, depending on how the club’s finances play out in the coming months.
While Isak remains a top target, Arsenal has also been linked with other forwards in recent weeks. One of the names mentioned is RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, who has impressed with his performances in Germany. Sesko, who is still young but highly regarded for his physicality and technical ability, could offer a long-term solution to Arsenal’s striker problem.
Another name that has been linked with Arsenal is Viktor Gyokeres of Sporting Lisbon. Gyokeres has been in excellent form in Portugal, and his goal-scoring ability could make him a valuable addition to Arteta’s squad. However, like Isak, both Sesko and Gyokeres would likely command substantial transfer fees, and Arsenal may need to make some tough decisions regarding player departures to fund these moves.
For now, Arteta has made it clear that he is focused on getting the best out of his current squad. While new signings would be welcomed, Arteta remains confident that his team can still challenge for the title with the players at his disposal. The key, according to the manager, is to continue working on improvement and ensuring that every player performs to their potential.
As Arsenal approaches the second half of the season, Arteta’s belief in his team remains strong. While Liverpool has a clear advantage at the top of the table, Arsenal still has the potential to make a title challenge. The key for Arteta is to maintain his focus on improving his team and to ensure that they are ready for the challenges ahead.
The upcoming fixtures will be crucial for Arsenal’s chances of staying in the race for the title. With players like Saka out injured and the team in need of additional firepower, Arsenal will have to rely on their collective spirit and tactical discipline to stay competitive. Arteta is determined to fight for every point, knowing that the season is far from over and that anything can happen in the Premier League.
As Arsenal fans continue to rally behind their team, the pressure will only increase. Arteta’s confidence in his squad will be tested, but if Arsenal can stay focused and continue improving, they will have a real chance of challenging Liverpool for the title until the very end of the season.
