Arteta backs Arsenal to challenge for title

Arsenal midfielder Mikel Arteta has backed his team for mounting a serious title challenge if they bring in new players this summer.

The Spaniard is due to miss the first six weeks of the Premier League due to a thigh injury but is hopeful that manager Arsene Wenger will bring in new faces before the transfer window shuts down.


He told The Sun: "Last year, this squad wasn't good enough to challenge for the league - we ended up too far behind Manchester United.


"We suffered a lot of injuries in the last few years and couldn't always put out a consistent team for 10 or 15 games in a row.


"So we can't ignore the speculation about new signings, because it's in the papers and we are asked about it all the time.


"I'm convinced there will be signings this summer. We already have a very strong team - and if we get new faces they will be welcome."


The 31 year old admitted that even the manager is not happy with the Gunners having had to finish in the top four every season.


"You all know Arsene Wenger - and I can tell you he's not happy just to finish in the top four," said Arteta.


"When you get to a stage in the season where you are 12 or 15 points behind the leaders, you have to be realistic and admit you can't catch up."