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Whilst the rumours of Mikel Arteta leaving for PSG seem unlikely to materialise into a move, they are certainly a distraction.
The links have been persistent since Christophe Galtier announced his departure from the French side. They’ve been so persistent that Arteta has moved to play down the speculation, insisting he is happy in North London.
It was a strong statement from the Spaniard, suggesting that he feels valued by the Gunners, telling Spanish outlet Marca: “I can only say that I am happy at Arsenal,” he said.
“I feel loved, valued by our owners, Stan and Josh [Kroenke], and I have a lot to do here at this club. I am happy and tremendously grateful to be at Arsenal.”
Arteta spent 18 months at PSG as a player which undoubtedly would have worried some supporters but it seems the Spaniard is motivated by his side’s painful loss of the Premier League title.
Providing significant backing is the key to keeping Arteta
Arsenal have provided Arteta with more flexibility in the transfer market than most of his predecessors. The January acquisitions of Leonardo Trossard, Jakub Kiwior and Jorginho are indications of that with the winter window being notoriously difficult to do business in.
But the board backed Arteta and are seemingly doing the same this summer with links of Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Moises Caciedo persisting throughout the summer.
This investment in the team, it’s showing Arteta that the club is invested in him and his plans to push on for next season after their brush with the Premier League title.
However, should they miss out on their key targets this summer, it could leave the Spaniard contemplating his options, despite suggesting he’s happy.
Can Arsenal challenge Manchester City for the title next season?
Manchester City might be heading into a transition of their own with Ilkay Gundogan leaving the club, along with Kyle Walker, Bernardo Silva and Riyad Mahrez being linked with moves away from the club.
That could open the door for Arsenal next season with their youthful squad being in a positive position to push on. The squad does need improving, but if the likes of Caciedo and Rice are added to the team, it would be hard to discount them with Pep Guardiola’s side needing to adapt next season once again.
