Arteta gets told amount and type of players to sign so that Arsenal doesn’t go backwards

Arsenal legend Tony Adams has spoken out about the type of players Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal will need to sign this summer in order to avoid going backwards next season. Adams believes that the Gunners need to sign four big, experienced leaders if they want to push on from their second-place finish this season.

One player who could fit the bill is Declan Rice, but Adams believes that Arsenal should be looking for a player like Jack Grealish instead. “If I’m going to spend £100million on one player, I want a Jack Grealish type of player who is going to give me goals and assists, not a holding midfielder,” he said as per The Metro.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – APRIL 26: Ben White of Arsenal and Jack Grealish of Man City during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Arsenal FC at Etihad Stadium on April 26, 2023 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

However, Adams acknowledges that it will be difficult for Arsenal to sign players who are already acclimatised to English football without overpaying for them. “The problem is that Arsenal want players who are already acclimatised to English football and they’re always going to be overpriced when you buy from your Premier League rivals,” he said.

Adams also pointed out that Arsenal need another centre-half, a striker, a midfielder and a winger, and that all of these players need to be better than the ones they already have. He cited the example of Ben White, who cost £50m but still hasn’t found his best position in the team.

LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 02: Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Chelsea FC at Emirates Stadium on May 02, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

Despite spending more than £400m on new signings since Arteta was appointed in 2019, none of them were players City would have wanted, says Adams. This highlights the importance of signing players who can make an immediate impact on the team.

Arsenal were in a fierce title race with Manchester City this season but ultimately fell short after losing to Nottingham Forest in their 37th game week. The Gunners finished with 84 points while Manchester City finished with 89 points and were crowned Premier League champions.

While finishing second is an improvement on the 2021-2220 season’s fifth-place finish, Arsenal will be disappointed to have let the title slip away after leading the league table for 10 months. The challenge now is to strengthen the squad in the right areas and mount a serious title challenge next season.