Legendary Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has expressed his delight at the team’s progress both on and off the pitch, and has claimed that Mikel Arteta’s side have what it takes to win the Premier League title.
The Frenchman, who was in charge for 22 years before departing in 2018, also praised new record signing Declan Rice, stating that Arsenal’s strong financial position has allowed them to recruit well to build a top-quality young squad.
Speaking to Eurosport at the Tour De France, Wenger gave his verdict on the new arrivals, as well as Arsenal’s title chances next season.
“I believe we will win the Championship, that’s as simple as that,” he stated of Arsenal’s ability to win major trophies.
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Wenger was then asked about whether he would have spent £105m on Rice:
“If I had the money, why not? I had to cope with no money at all so you have to find a different way. Now Arsenal is in a good financial situation, and they bought what they think will win them the Championship.
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“I think it’s a good investment, and overall I personally think they’ve made good buys, because they are all players who are now mature, 23, 24, and still young, so they can stay together for a few years.
“Of course they will be under more pressure this year than last year, but they have learned a lot last year, and they can show they can deal with that kind of pressure now.”
Can Arsenal win the League?
A stunning start saw Arsenal win 50 points from their first 19 league matches, one of the best records in the club’s history, and the Gunners led the league for the majority of the season.
Injuries and a lack of depth saw them fall just short of Manchester City, who went on to win the treble, but with the signings of Rice, Jurrien Timber and Kai Havertz, Arsenal have strengthened their options all over the pitch.
Competing with this Man City side will be difficult, but Mikel Arteta can be confident that his side can build upon the foundations they laid last season and continue to improve.
Wenger had stayed away from the Emirates since he left in 2018, but made an emotional return to the stands as Arsenal beat West Ham on Boxing Day last year, and he will be delighted if Arteta’s side can deliver a first title since 2004.