Arteta’s vision has Gunners geared up
MIKEL ARTETA will continue to reshape Arsenal this summer, says Emmanuel Petit.
The Gunners narrowly missed out on securing a top-four spot after a topsy-turvy end to the campaign.
They cruised past Everton on the last day of the season with a 5-1 win, but Tottenham secured the final Champions League spot after beating Norwich 5-0.
A 3-0 in the North London derby against Spurs earlier this month, followed by a 2-0 defeat against Newcastle, had ultimately given Arteta’s men a mountain to climb.
Former France and Arsenal legend Petit, however, says there’s clear progress after the Gunners finished the 2020/21 season in eighth spot.
“You have to respect Arteta’s work since he arrived at The Emirates because after Arsene Wenger left the club, it’s been very disappointing from Arsenal in terms of results,” he said.
“They were dropping down the table as well.
“His work is good and, despite what people said in England when he signed a contract for three years, there were so many things that worked for Arsenal over the last few years.
“They needed someone with a proper vision, that can work hand in hand inside the club and this is exactly what’s going on.
“Since he arrived at Arsenal, I think his work has been good.”
Arsenal let PierreEmerick Aubameyang join Barcelona in January on a free transfer.
The club is widely expected to let other first-team players depart including experienced forward Alexandre Lacazette.
World Cup winner Petit, who was also a title winner with Arsenal in 1998, says more worldclass players and squad depth is needed if they want to kick on next term.