Arteta: 'The early transfer is an advantage in the championship race'
The Emirates Stadium owner spent more than $250 million recruiting Kai Havertz, Jurrien Timber and Declan Rice before mid-July and all three were on the pre-season tour of the US. Even these three rookies all started in the English Super Cup match against Man City at Wembley on August 6.
"Gunners" also reached an agreement to borrow goalkeeper David Raya from Brentford with an option to buy permanently for a fee of $ 35 million in the summer of 2024, and will officially announce this weekend. According to PA news agency, Arsenal will not buy more players, if there are no injuries or unexpected changes in the final three weeks of the transfer window.
According to Arteta, early signing with targets is Arsenal's advantage in the title race. "It certainly helps, especially with helping new recruits adjust to their new environment and prepare. We do our best, focus on what we can do, and optimize the resources available to us. ", said the Spanish coach on August 11 in a press conference before the Premier League opening match against Nottingham Forest.
In contrast, the Emirates stadium owner has parted ways with Pablo Mari, Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Granit Xhaka, Matt Turner and now has 33 players in the first team. Arteta admits Arsenal have too many players to do some exercises and could liquidate them before the transfer window closes. According to British media, Arsenal are looking for outlets for Folarin Balogun, Nicolas Pepe, Albert Sambi Lokonga, Nuno Tavares and Cedric Soares.
Last season, Arsenal led the Premier League up to 93% of the time and even created an eight-point gap with Man City in early April. But the "Gunners" were out of breath, lost three of the last six matches, and lost the top spot with the same title. signal to Man City. Arsenal therefore hit a sad milestone when they became the club that led the English Premier League for the longest time without being able to win the championship.
Arteta admits Arsenal received many expectations and was under pressure to repeat last season's success, even toppling Man City. The Spanish coach accepts this challenge by emphasizing that he is building a team with confidence and class to fight for the top position.
"The Premier League this season will be even more difficult than last year," said Arteta. "You can see many big clubs in the transfer market and there will be a big difference. So we have to play much better than last year. I am extremely excited, this is the challenge and the opportunity. new association".
Arteta sees victory over Man City in the English Super Cup as a boost of motivation and confidence, but admits Arsenal must improve a lot. The 41-year-old coach also warned the players not to be subjective against Nottingham Forest when recalling that Arsenal had lost 0-1 at the City Ground at the end of last season.
