Three times Mikel Arteta has proved his ‘pull’ is much bigger than anyone else, including Pep Guardiola

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Mikel Arteta has completely transformed Arsenal.

The Spaniard was very underrated as a player when he wore the famous red and white, but everyone on the planet has to give him the credit he deserves for the manager he is.

Arsenal were in deep trouble when Arteta was given the job in December 2019, but after just eight months at the club, he delivered an FA Cup.

The North London giants are now serious contenders for the Premier League title as well, having gone toe-to-toe with Manchester City in consecutive seasons.

Arsenal are yet to win the big trophy, but there’s one trait Arteta has proved he possesses more than anyone else in the Premier League – his ability to attract big players.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta’s ‘pull’ is the best in the business

Arteta has signed many players since he became the Arsenal manager.

The Spaniard has brought in 27 players over the last five years, and there were a few ups and downs early on in his managerial career.

However, Arteta is yet to get a big signing wrong at Arsenal, and his record when going up against other top clubs is sensational.

For example, Declan Rice was not just a key target for Arsenal; Pep Guardiola wanted to sign him as well in the summer of 2023.

Arteta, however, convinced the midfielder to snub Manchester City and move to the Emirates. Rice even admitted that he felt Arteta’s project at Arsenal was far more exciting, which is why he picked the Gunners.

Rice isn’t the only player to reject a big club for Arsenal.

Kai Havertz was wanted by Real Madrid and Bayern Munich (Guardian), but the Germany international only wanted to play for one manager – Arteta. He rejected the two historic European clubs to move to the Emirates.

Even Riccardo Calafiori chose Arteta’s Arsenal despite interest from Real Madrid and Juventus this summer (Athletic), further proving that the Spaniard’s ‘pull’ is out of this world.

READ MORE: Mikel Arteta shares one thing Riccardo Calafiori was ‘adamant’ about before Arsenal transfer

Arteta could help Arsenal sign another world-class player

There’s still a whole month left before the 2024 summer transfer window shuts, and Arsenal are expected to make at least one more signing.

Calafiori definitely strengthens their squad, but another player Arsenal have been linked with a move to sign will take them to a whole new level – Mikel Merino.

The Gunners have agreed personal terms with the Spanish midfielder, and it looks like Arteta’s pull has come into play once again.

Reports have claimed that Barcelona will not sign Merino because he only wants to join Arteta’s Arsenal.

We think a left-hand side of Calafiori, Merino and Martinelli will make Arsenal significantly stronger than they were in the 2023/24 season. That could be enough to win the Premier League title.