ARSENAL have to back Mikel Arteta with funds in the transfer window, says Martin Keown.
The former Gunner argues Arsenal are in a transition phase so Arteta needs money to strengthen all the areas required.
Martin Keown believes the board have to back Arteta this summerCredit: BT Sport
Cole has questioned previous signings under the Spanish boss
Keown and Joe Cole believe Arteta is the right man to oversee the rebuild, though the latter questioned the transfer strategy of the club in recent months.
Speaking on BT’s coverage of Burnley vs Arsenal, Keown said: “It was a disastrous start to the season – 14 points from 14 games. They’ve lost 11 games already this season. We are in a rebuilding process.
“Now there is a nucleus of youngsters at Arsenal that they’re relying heavily on. There are some good players. We need to give them a chance.
“I feel if Smith-Rowe was fit today, Odegaard would not be playing. It does point to the direction that the manager wants to go. He wants to play this total football style of play, with people who are really technically very gifted.
“There’s no doubt he can do that, Odegaard. Today’s a really big opportunity for him to stamp his future on this football club.”
Cole shares Keown’s faith in Arteta but thinks he is being constrained by the ‘politics’ that surrounds recruitment.
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He said: “I don’t see the direction they’re going in. I think Arteta’s the right man, he’s done his apprenticeship.
“I think he’s a very good coach. Navigating the politics to bring players in at Arsenal seems difficult.
“It was so stable under Wenger. I don’t see the reasoning behind some of the signings.
“David Luiz at 33, on a two-year deal. Willian, two-year deal at 32. Loan deals, I’m not sure where they’re going.”
Arsenal could sell Alexandre Lacazette in the next transfer window.
They also have their eye on Achraf Hakimi so Arteta may have an opportunity to complete the next step of his rebuild.
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Arteta is disappointed after ‘silly mistakes’ lead Arsenal to a 1-1 draw with Burnley
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
