Arteta pleads with Arsenal board to spend big on his squad despite being ‘proud’ of Liverpool win

Mikel Arteta is desperate for Arsenal to land big signings this summer, despite his side’s surprise 2-1 win against Premier League champions Liverpool. 

Goals from Alexander Lacazette and Reiss Nelson were enough for the Gunners to sink Jurgen Klopp’s man, earning a vital three points in their chase of Europa League qualification. 

After taking over from caretaker Freddie Ljungberg following Unai Emery’s disastrous collapse in late 2019, Arteta has shown promising signs, with the Emirates side winning five of their last seven games to breathe life back into their European push.

Mikel Arteta is desperate to see Arsenal add quality to his squad  in the summer window 

 Arteta called for signings despite his side’s stunning 2-1 win over Liverpool on Wednesday

The Spaniard wants an overhaul in the dressing room and needs funds available to do it 

However, next season is a different story and asked if he has enough funds available to rebuild his squad, the Spaniard said on Sky: ‘A big concern, you need quality, quality players and a big squad to compete in these competitions. It is a challenge.’ 

Both Matteo Guendouzi and Mesut Ozil have fallen out of favour with Arteta and could leave this summer, with the Spaniard repeatedly promising a ruthless approach in North London. 

While this season they must salvage scraps, Arteta’s ultimate mission is to return Arsenal to the Champions League – a task that still looks a long way off with his current options. 

Alexander Lacazette scored as the Gunners bounced back from North London Derby defeat

Possibly the most important of those scraps will be fought for in the Gunners’ next game, facing Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-final. 

Arteta will be hoping to both avenge his 3-0 post-restart defeat to the Citizens and to keep their hopes of securing European qualification through the cup alive. 

‘In terms of energy and happiness in the dressing room before the semi-final, it’s a good medicine,’ Arteta added. 

‘To beat this team you have to have moments in the game when you take your chances, defend and have a bit of luck.

The Gunners will now prepare for their crunch Manchester City clash full of confidence 

‘I was worried after 1-0 how we would react. We were able to pick one moment and believe again.

‘We will go for both, our maximum, it is just a few games so we will keep going. The gap between the two teams today is enormous, we can not improve it in two months, but the accountability, the fight is now equal and I am very proud of that. The rest will take some time.

‘Arsene (Wenger) did some incredible things and was very successful. I have done nothing yet. We need belief to go in the direction.’