“Half academy, half foreign” Mikel Arteta names ‘dream scenario’ as Spaniard wants Arsenal to win Premier League titles ‘consistently’

Mikel Arteta named his 'dream scenario' at Arsenal, citing the example of a La Liga club in a recent interaction with the press.

“Half academy, half foreign” Mikel Arteta names ‘dream scenario’ as Spaniard wants Arsenal to win Premier League titles ‘consistently’

Mikel Arteta has taken a sly dig at Pep Guardiola and Man City (Via The Mirror)

Arsenal are well on their way to challenge for the Premier League title. The Gunners have come close on several occasions in the past, with Mikel Arteta‘s men losing out on the title by just two points last season. As they prepare to finally get their hands on the elusive title, manager Arteta told the press what his ‘dream scenario’ looks like.

I want to have a team that’s half academy, half foreign and win the Premier League and Champions League consistently.

Mikel Arteta told the press via HaytersTV

He cited the example of La Liga club Athletic Bilbao, who have built up a formidable team consisting of academy and Basque players. FC Barcelona were recently in the market for Bilbao star Nico Williams, who eventually turned down the offer and took the No.10 at the club.

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However, Arteta also acknowledged the fact that building such a team and winning titles are two different things. Bilbao, for instance, finished fifth in La Liga and did not compete in Europe either.

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As things stand, Arsenal are second in the league table and will face Aston Villa and former manager Unai Emery at Villa Park.

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Mikel Arteta does not rule out ‘late surprises’ in transfer window

It appears that Arsenal have finally struck a deal with Real Sociedad to complete the signing of Euro 2024 hero Mikel Merino. The 28-year-old midfielder has been on Arsenal’s radar ever since the tournament, with talks finally coming to a close in the last few days. The club have agreed to a fee in excess of €37.5 million, with his signing expected to be announced over the weekend.

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Arteta said that ‘a lot of surprises can come in the final week’, and with rumors surrounding Raheem Sterling and Nico Williams still in the air, fans are on high alert. Even though many did not seem to take the Spaniard’s comments seriously, a few were of the opinion that Arsenal might make a late move for Williams. However, it is known that the 22-year-old is happy at the club and won’t force a move away.

Besides Williams, Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman and Simon Adingra are also options. Arteta recently also stated that he still has ‘strong feelings’ for Sterling amidst reports of a move away from Chelsea. Additionally, The Gunners are looking to make a few departures prior to the window closing in less than two weeks.

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