EPL: Arteta advised to strengthen one weak Arsenal position for sustained title challenge

Erstwhile Arsenal player Stewart Robson wants Mikel Arteta to add bodies to the club’s midfield in a bid to win the club’s first Premier League title since 2004. 

The Gunners ended last season with 89 points but fell short to Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, who notched a fourth consecutive triumph in the 2023-24 campaign. 

Arsenal have been the club’s closest challengers in back-to-back years, and they are viewed as pre-season favourites to push the club chasing a fifth consecutive league crown. 

Speaking on ESPN, Robson stated that Arsenal’s midfield needs improving despite the presence of last season’s club-record arrival Declan Rice as well as Thomas Partey and Jorginho. 

“In midfield, if they want to play Declan Rice slightly higher up the field and be more advanced, is Jorginho the best midfield player they can have in that holding midfield role or Thomas Partey? I think that’s an area they can improve," said Robson. "Another central midfield player.”

Arsenal’s first pre-season friendly ended 1-1 against Bournemouth, with Antoine Semenyo's 73rd-minute equaliser cancelling Fabio Vieira's 18th-minute goal. Arteta's team won 5-4 on penalties. 

The Gunners’ next tune-up match for the forthcoming Premier League season comes against Manchester United on July 28.