MIKEL ARTETA has told his new transfer chief Arsenal MUST spend big to fight on all fronts next season.
The Gunners’ title bid could be over if they lose to Ipswich tomorrow — four days after reaching the Champions League semi-final with a stunning win over Real Madrid.
And Arteta knows sporting director Andrea Berta is the key to sustaining Premier League and European challenges next campaign.
He said: “Squad quality and availability — without those, we cannot compete in four competitions.
“At this level, especially in this country, it is impossible. The higher the quality, the higher the availability, the more chances you have.
“After you have to do it. But the probability goes high.
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“I hope that Andrea has many more ideas, plans, surprises, positive ones.
“And his experience, his creativity, his intuition as well to help us make the right calls.”
Liverpool will be crowned champions if they beat Leicester tomorrow and Arsenal lose to struggling Ipswich.
Arteta added: “For sure there would be things we could have done to challenge Liverpool.
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“If not you would have won every game regardless of any injuries, any situation, any red card, any referee decision.
“But it is what it is. We will make an analysis of what we’ve done well and not well at the end of the season.”
Arteta has also hinted he would like midfielder Thomas Partey to be handed a new deal.
Partey, 31, is out of contract this summer but is having his best season since joining the club five years ago.
Arteta said that progress is being made with a number of players and his intent with Partey is clear — though the decision will sit with Berta.
The Spaniard said: “Yes, there is progress with all the players.
“I’ll leave that to Andrea and the club to decide and to talk about.
“The intention is very clear. I’ll leave that to Andrea and the club to take a step forward.”
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Partey’s form this season has been largely down to his availability, having desperately struggled with injuries across his time in north London.
Arsenal will consider his age and fitness record before making a final decision on a new deal.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
