ART’S IN THE RIGHT PLACE

That is the message from Gunners legend Bob Wilson as the brief close season nears an end – and the big kick-off for 2020-21 looms large.

With a record-extending 14th FA Cup success secured last month, Arsenal’s rookie Spanish boss, 38, has already shown himself more than capable in the dugout.

But with the transfer window open and new faces starting to arrive, Wilson’s one fear is the summer recruits – such as free-signing Willian from Chelsea – could stifle the progress of the club’s booming young talent and lead to an exodus.

You need only watch the incredible feats of Bayern Munich winger Serge Gnabry in the Champions League to understand why Wilson is worried for his beloved North Londoners.

The German ace, 25, could have been with Arsenal still had his path to the first team not been blocked by more experienced names.

Former Gunners keeper and 1971 Double winner Wilson said: “We’ve had two big lifts recently.

“Firstly, we finally have the right manager for the first time since Arsene Wenger. Mikel’s done his apprenticeship under Pep Guardiola and, as we saw in the FA Cup semis and final, tactically he’s excellent.

“Then we have the boost of winning the FA Cup. There’s still a degree of me that can’t believe we beat Manchester City and Chelsea – and Liverpool in the league ague – in two weeks.

“But, at the same time, I worry that having signed Willian, who’s a top player, and trying to buy the Brazilian defender Gabriel, what happens to our younger players?

“We have amazing talent emerging now – Gabriel Martinelli, Bukayo Saka (bottom), Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Reiss

Nelson (top) and Joe Willock (middle).

“My concern is they – or rather their eir agents – will see the incomings and start rt t demanding bigger contracts and more money or say they’re leaving.

“Look at Gnabry. What a brilliant player he’s become since leaving us. It’s about getting the right balance because we don’t want to lose this generation coming through.”

But if anyone can handle a delicate cate situation, it is Arteta, claims Wilson.

The ex-Scotland international has been impressed with Arteta’s managerial style since he succeeded caretaker Freddie Ljungberg in December following Unai

Emery’s sacking.

Wilson, 78, added: “We have this momentum and it’s only a short break – so that should help.

“If we can get 13 or 14 points from the first six games it’d be incredible and underline derline we’re moving in the right direction.

“What I like about Mikel is the players listen to him. He looks into their eyes and demands attention.

“He’s got a huge job to do at a huge club but is capable of doing it.”