Mikel Arteta has stated his desire for Arsenal to match Newcastle and the Premier League's top teams in the transfer market.
The Gunners spent £114.5m ($144.6m) last summer, the least amount of any top six side with Newcastle added to the list as well. Compared to Chelsea it was less than half their mammoth total and it was nearly doubled by the Toon as well.
Their spending has come in previous seasons where Ben White and Aaron Ramsdale joined the club for over £80m ($100m) combined but their other deals were conducted for less money. They are now getting the reward for investing in younger players.
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According to Transfermarkt, the value of their arrivals was £255.8m ($322.9m) and that has been the fulcrum for an unexpected title challenge this season. When it comes to trying to match the juggernaut of Manchester City on and off the field, though, Arteta believes his squad needs more.
“We have to compete with those teams," he admitted after beating Eddie Howe's men 2-0 on Sunday to remain within sight of a first league crown in nearly two decades. “That’s for sure because we are Arsenal football club. The demands are to be the best in everything that we do so we have to find a way to do that.”
Not being willing to commit to lavish spending at the right time has been a big criticism of owner Stan Kroenke. Two years ago and his transfer budget and methods as owner were widely protested against but since then there have been wholesale changes to the recruitment process, personnel in charge and results.
Their progression has been evident this season but a quicker turnaround from heavy investment to moves up the table came in full view against Newcastle. Having been purchased by the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) and Amanda Staveley, the Magpies have shot up the league and a set to finish in the top four.
As well as increased spending - bringing in Bruno Guimaraes, Sven Botman, Nick Pope and Aleksander Isak - they have overseen great individual improvement as well. Arteta has warned that it will be a new test next term, though. “[Newcastle] performed really well this season and they deserve to be where they are and we have done the same. But next season will be something completely different.”
The Saudi owners have now been linked with a transfer to take Neymar to the north east as well as other proven European players that would formerly have been unattainable. It is a reality that could scare fans of traditional top sides as the new kid on the block comes in like a wrecking ball and Arsenal are no different.
With Newcastle comes an unknown challenge and one that Kroenke will have to fight with not just in terms of league position but also when it comes to drawing in new players. It's something that makes this season the most likely chance for Arsenal to win the title.
“It is the best time [to win the league] because this is the moment right now and the best time is when you have something, you must try to take it, especially in elite sports because you don’t know when you’re going to have another opportunity," Arteta explained.
“That’s what we are trying to do. That’s why we go to Newcastle to win the game and continue to be there.”
Actually achieving such a feat may well take more careful but bankrolled impact from Kroenke and his Sports Entertainment empire.
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