Ex-Manchester United player Wayne Rooney has backed Arsenal to go for another title race this season after they spent £200 million to reinforce the squad.
Arsenal was undoubtedly one of the best teams last season. Taking the Premier League by surprise, the Gunners were locked in a title race with Manchester City. But as the season ended, they fell and wound up losing the title to the Citizens.
Taking lessons from this hard but crucial season, manager Mikel Arteta and Arsenal seem to have finally realized their problem. They understand that they need more squad depth in their team, and more quality players as well.
Arsenal’s summer spending spree
In order to strengthen the team to Arteta’s style, Arsenal gave him a very heavy war chest. The club has already spent £200 million in the summer window for three players: Declan Rice, Kai Havertz, and Jurrien Timber.
The first signing was Kai Havertz, who was bought for £65m from rivals Chelsea. The German attacking midfielder is versatile, as he can also play as a winger. This would be a massive boost to Arteta’s plans and Kai is also a perfect player for him.
The club then announced the £105m signing of Declan Rice from West Ham, making him the most expensive English player of all time. The defensive midfielder was highly sought and no doubt could be one of Arsenal’s best signings in years. The England international has transformed into one of the best in the English league, and Arteta is sure to be excited to link up with him.
Last but not least, they have signed Jurrien Timber from Ajax Amsterdam. The Dutch center-back will join for a £40m deal. He is a versatile player and has experience playing everywhere in the backline. He also likes to go forward a lot, which was why Arteta wanted him.
Rooney tips Arsenal for Premier League title contention
Yesterday, Arteta got to use all three signings in the MLS All-Star game yesterday against a combined MLS team led by DC United manager Wayne Rooney. It ended 5-0 in favor of Arsenal, with Havertz even grabbing a late goal.
After the game, Wayne Rooney answered questions in a press conference. According to Metro, he was asked about Arsenal and their new signings this summer.
The former Man United forward replied, “I think for anyone to challenge Manchester City is probably very difficult but I really like the players Arsenal have signed. I think they have signed some really good players, with experience as well.”
Wayne Rooney:
— ARSENAL (@tomgunner14) July 20, 2023
“I really like the players Arsenal have signed. They've signed players with experience which is important.
Players with size as well. I think they'll do better than last season. They have a really good coach in Mikel Arteta.” pic.twitter.com/4LMa8vjHfU
“When you look at the players Arsenal have got and signed, they have really built a strong platform for them to try and do better than they did last season and I think they will.”
He then subtly hinted that under Mikel Arteta and with these new signings, Arsenal could end up winning the Premier League title.
“They have got a really good coach in Mikel Arteta and I think the new signings will help them to try and not do what they did, which was fall away towards the end of last season.”
With high praise from the likes of Wayne Rooney, Arsenal can get full confidence as they go for another exciting season.
