Mikel Arteta could now be about to do what Jose Mourinho did at Chelsea 21 years ago

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Arsenal fans might not like to admit it, but Jose Mourinho is one of the greatest managers of all time.

The self-proclaimed ‘Special One’ had many wars with Arsene Wenger back in the day, and that made him the enemy for Gooners.

Most supporters still don’t like him, but everyone has to agree that he is among the very best.

Now, Mikel Arteta could be about to copy one of his moves from over two decades ago.

🏆👀 Which manager should make way for Mikel Arteta on the Premier League’s Mount Rushmore?

What does Mikel need to do to make the list?

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Mikel Arteta could repeat Jose Mourinho’s midfield trick at Arsenal

In 2005, 21 years ago, Chelsea dethroned Arsenal to become the Premier League champions.

Everyone remembers their incredible defence that season. They conceded just 15 league goals all campaign, which is still a record.

However, what many people forget is how good their midfield was.

Claude Makelele, Tiago Mendes and Frank Lampard formed arguably the best partnership in the middle of the park in the country.

At the end of that season, Chelsea had no reason to sign another elite midfielder, but Jose Mourinho still went and bought Michael Essien from Lyon for a then-club record fee.

That helped them retain the Premier League title in the following season.

Arsenal are now in a similar situation with their central midfield. Declan Rice, Martin Zubimendi and Myles Lewis-Skelly are all unbelievable, but Arteta wants more.

The Gunners have bid for Bruno Guimaraes, and they have also been linked with players like Sandro Tonali, Alex Scott and Ayyoub Bouaddi among others.

Some fans may argue that Arsenal don’t need another midfielder and should use the same money to sign a world-class left-winger instead.

However, what Mourinho did with Essien 21 years ago shows why Arteta is absolutely right to eye a move for a top-class midfielder.

Bruno Guimaraes is the midfielder Arsenal should sign

All eyes will be on Arsenal making a statement signing in attack, but who they sign in the middle of the park could prove to be even more important.

Both Zubimendi and Lewis-Skelly are excellent options, but someone like Guimaraes would take their midfield to a whole new level.

The Brazilian could do absolutely everything in the middle of the park. He is aggressive without the ball and can play as a holding midfielder, while with the ball, he has shown the ability to create and score goals fairly regularly.

That makes him the complete package for Arsenal, and we think his signing will play a big part in helping them retain the Premier League title.