Robert Pires says he is ‘a little bit disappointed’ that Arsenal failed to win the Premier League this season, but ‘proud’ of the effort that Mikel Arteta and his players put in across the campaign.
Arsenal ensured an intriguing title race went down to the wire this term, though were pipped on the final day as Manchester City held their nerve to get their hands on the trophy for a fourth year in succession.
The Gunners ultimately ended the season trophyless but Arteta continues to receive widespread praise for the progress he has overseen since taking charge in December 2019, with the club finishing just one point worse off (89) than the record total the Invincibles managed 20 years ago (90).
Arteta and co are ready to spend big when the summer transfer window opens for business on June 14 and the north London giants have identified centre-forward as an area in need of strengthening.
The likes of Alexander Isak, Benjamin Sesko, Viktor Gyokeres and Ivan Toney have all been linked with moves to the Emirates and Pep Guardiola has said he expects a beefed-up Arsenal to come back with a vengeance next season.
Pires, a member of Arsene Wenger’s legendary Invincibles side, knows more than most what it takes to win major silverware with Arsenal and the iconic Frenchman is confident his former club are on the right path under Arteta.
Asked whether Arsenal are headed in the right direction, Pires told Virgin Media Sport: ‘Yes.
‘I am a little bit disappointed like the players, like Mikel Arteta, like the fans, because they’re doing very well, they play very well during all the season across the ten months.
‘I know and we know that to win a trophy is very difficult, very tough. 89 points at the end is not enough.
‘That is why Manchester City is very good, very strong. They’ve been a strong team for five or six seasons.
‘I’m very proud of Arteta and the players and I think we are ready for the next season.’
William Saliba, undoubtedly one of the success stories of Arsenal’s season, is convinced ‘big things are going to happen’ after the club finished as Premier League runners-up two times on the bounce.
‘Gunners, thanks for everything!’ the young Arsenal and France defender told his Instagram followers earlier this week.
‘The support this season has been crazy and we felt it at every moment.
‘Next season big things are going to happen. We will get there together. North London Forever.’
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