Sol Campbell insists Mikel Arteta can only be judged as Arsenal boss once he has signed a world-class striker. Despite impressive progress under Arteta’s leadership, the Gunners are again trailing in the title race, this time to Liverpool after two runner-up finishes to Manchester City.
Arsenal‘s lack of a top-tier forward is viewed as an issue, with injuries to Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz further hampering their pursuit of the title this season. Arteta, who captured the FA Cup in 2020, is facing increasing demands for more trophies. There is still one chance left this season in the shape of the UEFA Champions League. Campbell insists that Arteta deserves leniency and the opportunity to rebuild the squad in the upcoming transfer window.
The ex-Arsenal defender said: “Every manager, every player, we all want to win. If it keeps on going without winning… Yeah, you’re playing very good football and missing out, but what you’re remembered by is the trophies.
“Ultimately, it is ‘Have you won anything?’ For me, getting the forward [in], the injection of money apparently this summer, it’s good for the club and good for Arteta.
“Once he has his whole team, and then judge him after that. You cannot judge him at the moment, he has brought the club on such an incredible journey and has just missed out a couple of times by a whisker. It’s tiny margins. Get a forward in, a couple of really decent players in and allow them the space to bed in and then see what happens after that.”
Sol Campbell was speaking on behalf of bet365, an Official Global Partner of the UEFA Champions League, which is hosting an epic Big Ticket Giveaway Game this Saturday 5th April at Potters Fields Park from 4pm, where fans have the chance to win UEFA Champions League Quarter-Final tickets, see the iconic UEFA Champions League trophy and meet Sol himself. Full Terms and Conditions apply. Gamble Responsibly.
Alexander Isak, Newcastle‘s sought-after forward, continues to be linked with a move to Arsenal, and Campbell believes the north London club have a real opportunity to finally secure the Swedish forward’s signature.
“I think yes, they have got a chance,” said the ex-England star. “First of all, they have to have the right money to get Newcastle to start listening. It’s going to come down to the player; does he feel like Arsenal are the right club for him? I’m sure he will have two or three really top clubs looking at him.”
Campbell believes that if Isak joins Arsenal, he has the potential to make an impact similar to that of Thierry Henry. He added: “Some players can add on to the amazing centre-forwards that were there before them. The big gap between the last [world-class] centre-forward [at Arsenal] was Thierry Henry – that’s a big gap.”
Campbell said other areas of the team need attention too, adding: “I think it will definitely help towards that. I think they also need to maybe look on the wings and definitely in the centre as well, midfield-wise, I think that’s important.
“It’s also important to have a good back-up when it comes to the goalkeeper as well. For me, it’s not just one player. The youngsters that are coming through are excellent, so that is always good because you always need players who are excellent.
“If one or two guys are injured, suspended or are not reaching the level, you can bring a player in and the level doesn’t drop. You want that competition that brings success, you want that environment.”
Sol Campbell was speaking on behalf of bet365, an Official Global Partner of the UEFA Champions League, which is hosting an epic Big Ticket Giveaway Game this Saturday 5th April at Potters Fields Park from 4pm, where fans have the chance to win UEFA Champions League Quarter-Final tickets, see the iconic UEFA Champions League trophy and meet Sol himself. Full Terms and Conditions apply. Gamble Responsibly.
Content Source: www.express.co.uk