Arteta has undoubtedly been supported by his Arsenal project. His motto ‘trust the process’ was observed by many.
Since he joined, the Gunners have spent a total of £500.14m, according to data from Soccer Transfer., out Man City is only £59.75m in the period, helped by the huge sales of young players.
It also dwarfs the £235.4m spending total from the previous five years.
That has enabled him to build a younger and more cohesive squad from the group of players he inherited – including spending big on the likes of Declan Rice and Kai Havertz recently.
Sportsman Rory Smith told BBC Sport: “It’s seven years since Wenger left and that one-off succession was difficult, but since 2019 when Mikel Arteta took over, it’s been a steep climb.
“They have returned to the position they have occupied since 2004, which was regularly qualifying for the Champions League, increasing their title challenge and becoming one of England’s undisputed elite.
“In the last year or two it’s probably gone down a bit. That might be because the last hurdle is the hardest, but he’s turned a club that had sunk too far and brought them back to where they were.
“The transition period for Arsenal after Wenger is not as long as that of United.”
When asked last month about managing Arsenal for 250 games, Arteta was clear what he thought his greatest achievement was.
“Bringing the club together, 100%,” he said. “Uplifting, giving a very clear DNA to the football club, and pride. Representing this shirt, from the players to everyone involved in the club, in a way that is expected at this level.”
He also knows the challenge is ahead of him.
“Now it’s about winning, that’s the next step for sure.”
