Mikel Arteta sent Arsenal sack warning after £257m transfer spree - 'No longer good enough'

Alan Shearer has suggested that Mikel Arteta's position as Arsenal manager could be under threat if he fails to win a trophy this season. The former Blackburn Rovers and Newcastle United striker believes second place is 'no longer good enough' for the Gunners.

The north London outfit have finished as Premier League runners-up for three consecutive seasons and haven't lifted a trophy since their FA Cup victory during Arteta's inaugural season at the helm. Without any silverware, Shearer reckons the Spaniard's role could be at risk.

The pressure on Arteta has been amplified by the substantial amounts of money Arsenal have spent in recent years. Over the summer, the club shelled out £257million to bring in players such as Viktor Gyokeres, Martin Zubimendi and Eberechi Eze.

However, this still falls short of Liverpool's summer expenditure, with the Reds nearly matching that sum by twice breaking the British transfer record to sign Florian Wirtz and Alexander Isak, as well as adding Hugo Ekitike, Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong to their ranks.

Speaking to Betfair, Shearer stated that he doesn't think Arteta will be given any leeway when it comes to delivering success. He highlighted the immense pressure the former midfielder is facing.

"It's harsh to say Arteta is not the man to take Arsenal forward," he said. "He knows the rules, as does everyone else, particularly when you spend that amount of money.

"They've spent a fortune in the summer, but I guess that only adds pressure on to say that you have to be successful this season. I don't think anyone would disagree with that, even Arteta himself.

"Second is no longer good enough for Arsenal. This team and this squad have to win big trophies, and we know what happens if that doesn't happen."

Arsenal managed a draw against Manchester City at the weekend, bolstering Liverpool's title hopes. However, Shearer believes there were positive aspects to glean from the deadlock.

"The draw was a great result for Liverpool already with Arsenal getting the equaliser. They were much better in the second half. They were very cagey in the first half and didn't really go out and open up.

"Very rarely have you seen a Man City team be dominated in possession like that and Pep takes his main centre-forward off to try and soak up pressure and hit teams on the break.

"I know Pep came out and said about the number of games and tiredness and all those things but you're not getting any sympathy from anyone if you're Liverpool, Man City, Arsenal or Chelsea. Particularly with their squads and the money that's been spent."

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