Mikel Arteta challenges Arsenal’s board to ‘do what they need to do’ in the transfer market to become champions next season as Gunners boss reveals ‘four or five’ will leave
Mikel Arteta has promised a big summer of transfers to make Arsenal worthy Premier League title contenders next season with his squad set to be ‘really short’.
The manager confirmed at least ‘four or five players’ will be departing at the end of this season. They include Jorginho, who is joining Brazilian side Flamengo, and the Celtic-bound Kieran Tierney.
Loanees Neto and Raheem Sterling are also going, with Oleksandr Zinchenko expected to depart, too.
He said: ‘Obviously we need players because the squad is really short, and on top of that we are losing four or five players that are going to end contracts, and their loans are finished.
‘So, we need to be sharp. Again, very disciplined in what we want to do, and make sure that we are strong in the next season.’
When asked how big the summer ahead is, he said: ‘Finish the season, go to the beach and make sure the ones upstairs (hierarchy) do what they need to do.’
Mikel Arteta has promised a big summer of transfers after another second place finish
Arteta admitted that his squad is really short and set to become even shorter this summer
Owner Stan Kroenke (right) and director son Josh Kroenke (left) are under pressure
New sporting director Andrea Berta will be in charge of Arsenal’s summer transfer dealings
He also vowed to give ‘his life’ to winning silverware next season.
Arteta added: ‘What I can promise is I will do my very best. I will give my life here. I will give everything.
‘I will get every drop of everybody there is, squeeze it, to get the best. But promise (silverware)? I cannot promise.
‘Not any manager is going to promise, ‘Next season, I’m going to win the Premier League or the Champions League’.’
Alexander Isak missed the game because of a groin issue, but Eddie Howe confirmed that his star striker could feature in their final match of the season against Everton next Sunday as they look to secure Champions League football.
‘I think he’s got a chance,’ said Howe. He had a scan this morning. He felt a little bit of stiffness last night after travelling down.
‘He didn’t feel anything during training. He had the scan which showed some swelling so we took him out of the game and hope he can be ready next week.’
