Gary Neville has warned Mikel Arteta that signing new players in the January transfer window could upset the apple cart at Arsenal.
The Gunners head into the World Cup break five points clear at the top of the Premier League table but many fans feel that Arteta's side still needs more investment in order to truly compete for the title come crunch time. However, Neville reckons that splashing the cash could run the risk of disrupting the current harmony within the Arsenal squad, who're the "class act" of the season so far.
Speaking on The Gary Neville Podcast, the Manchester United legend - who still thinks Man City will retain the league title - explained: "You ask the question now: would Arsenal strengthen in January? What risk does that bring? Do you strengthen to boost the squad or do you strengthen to actually boost the first XI?
"If you strengthen to boost the first XI do you upset one of the players or two of the players that are in there? And that's the sort of conundrum that will be going through the Arsenal board's mind at this moment in time.
"Because I'm not quite sure any of the other clubs will do that. I'm not sure City will do business to be honest with you, I'm not sure any of the other clubs at the top will do business. There's a sense that Arsenal may do in midfield."
Arteta has remained coy on his plans for the upcoming transfer window, having already spent more than £130million over the summer which set them on course to challenge reigning champions City. Nevertheless, a portion of supporters believe that the Gunners' failure to strengthen last January ultimately led to them missing out on Champions League football and Arteta won't want to make a similar mistake.
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"The planning of that period is extremely difficult," the Arsenal manager admitted earlier this month. "First of all because we know the January window, how special it is, the opportunities that you have, the short window that you have. Once you get the player they are straight away competing, so there is not an adaption process.
"And obviously with the position that we are in right now as well, it demands as well another level of player - and that player has to be available. We will look at everything and let's see what we can do."
Piers Morgan is one supporter hoping to see the Gunners take advantage of their supreme standing in January, tweeting: "Top of the Premier League… 5 points clear... Arteta's process now fully trusted… players and fans united… this is our time again, Arsenal. Now need the Kroenkes to get the chequebook out in January and buy big. Two more world-class players and we'll be champions again."
