Mikel Arteta must prove Kylian Mbappe right as Arsenal reality laid bare

Mikel Arteta has transformed Arsenal since taking over from Unai Emery on December 20, 2019. When the Spaniard arrived from Manchester City, the Gunners were 10th in the Premier League and not even considered Champions League regulars yet alone title contenders.

"Arsenal is one of the biggest clubs in the world," Arteta bellowed when he was appointed just under six years ago. "We need to be competing for the top trophies in the game and that's been made very clear to me in my discussions with Stan and Josh Kroenke, and the senior people from the club.

"We all know there is a lot of work to be done to achieve that but I am confident we'll do it. I'm realistic enough to know it won't happen overnight but the current squad has plenty of talent and there is a great pipeline of young players coming through from the academy."

A huge squad overhaul followed and Arteta set about changing pretty much everything inside the club. His methods were welcomed by players and staff alike and the north Londoners even won the FA Cup in Arteta's first season. Two Community Shields in 2020 and 2023 followed but silverware has since been hard to come by.

Arsenal have finished second in the Premier League in each of the past three seasons and seriously struggled in the domestic cup competitions. The Gunners reached the quarter-finals of the Champions League in 2023/24 and the semi-finals last campaign but never really looked like potential winners. Arteta will be hoping that changes in the 2025/26 season.

With Andrea Berta as the new sporting director, the club signed Kepa Arrizabalaga, Cristhian Mosquera, Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyokeres, Eberechi Eze and Piero Hincapie this summer. More than £260million was spent on new talent and the hope will be it results in further success on the pitch.

Interestingly, Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe has backed Arsenal to win the league this season. When asked by BILD for his predictions for the Premier League, the Frenchman replied: "Of course, Liverpool has to be mentioned first and foremost, as they're determined to win one title after another.

"But I also have high hopes for Arsenal, because the core of the team has known each other for a long time, and that's a crucial factor in football. And Manchester City is always at the forefront anyway, with Pep Guardiola and Erling Haaland."

After being pushed for an out-and-out winner of the Premier League, Mbappe responded: "That's tough. Maybe Arsenal, maybe it will be their year. It would certainly be easier to say City or Liverpool."

By the time the Premier League champions are crowned next May, Arteta would have been in the role at Arsenal for well over six years. It's crucial the Spaniard turns this side into serial winners with supporters no longer settling for second place. With the quality of players at his disposal, Arteta should be challenging on all four fronts this season.

Arsenal need to win at least one trophy this campaign. Arteta knows it. The Gunners hierarchy expect it. And the supporters demand it. The Arsenal boss will certainly be hoping Mbappe's prediction comes true.

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