Arteta says there is no point in Arsenal copying Liverpool’s project to win league and reveals summer transfer plans
ARSENAL boss Mikel Arteta has rejected the notion of Arsenal needing to copy Liverpool in order to win the Premier League.
The Gunners are a couple of years into a significant rebuild of the club both behind the scenes and on the pitch in order to bring back Premier League success – something they have not seen since 2004.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Arteta highlighted Liverpool’s project for comparison, but revealed they were not able to copy The Reds.
He said: “There are things you can try to compare, and you can acknowledge how other clubs have been through these processes and these phases of a project, like Liverpool.
“But what the league was six years ago and what the league is today is completely different. We need to focus on what we want to do and how we are going to execute it, and not look too far ahead.”
Their plan will begin in the transfer market with a desperate need to strengthen both the first XI and the squad’s depth.
READ MORE ON ARSENAL
Arsenal are expected to make moves for at least five players this summer, with two strikers, a central midfielder, and a pair of full-backs being targeted.
A number of players are also set to be sold or allowed to leave.
Arteta added: “I don’t think we are in a position where we can do that, so we have to find other ways to do it.
“Liverpool, as well, have improved their players immensely, which is as important as bringing players in. And then, the ones that you buy, [it’s important] that they can have an impact straight away.
MOST READ IN FOOTBALL
SUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAY
“We want to make the squad stronger, we want to make the starting XI stronger, and that’s what we are going to be seeking to do.”
Arteta has guided them back into contention for a top four finish and Champions League football this season.
However, to do this they will need to overcome tough tests at West Ham and Tottenham later this season.
However, injuries to Thomas Partey and Kieran Tierney have made these fixtures even tougher.
Read More on The Sun
Arteta said: “We have a really short squad and we knew that in the beginning, especially after what happened in the January transfer window.
“Obviously, we didn’t expect those long-term injuries to come at the same time, but the team has now found a way to try to compete, play well and win football matches.”