Keep or sell; Mikel Àrteta is wasting funds a question asked by many

Mikel Arteta’s Trophy Drought: A £600 Million Investment with No Silverware Since 2020

When Mikel Arteta took over the managerial reins at Arsenal in December 2019, he was heralded as the man to return the club to its former glory. Fresh from working under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, Arteta arrived with promises of implementing a modern, competitive footballing philosophy. His early success—winning the FA Cup in the summer of 2020—seemed to justify the club’s decision to place their faith in a young, inexperienced manager. However, more than three years later, Arsenal fans are still waiting for another trophy, despite Arteta overseeing an expenditure of nearly £600 million.

Arteta’s time at Arsenal has been marked by significant investment in the transfer market. Since his appointment, the club has brought in high-profile players, including the likes of Gabriel Jesus, Martin Ødegaard, Declan Rice, and Kai Havertz. The intent has been clear: build a squad capable of competing with the Premier League elite. Yet, despite this financial backing, Arsenal’s trophy cabinet remains untouched since that triumphant day at Wembley in August 2020.

The £600 million spent under Arteta’s leadership raises pressing questions about return on investment. While the club has undoubtedly improved in some areas—challenging for the Premier League title last season and returning to the Champions League after a long absence—the ultimate measure of success in football remains silverware. For a club of Arsenal’s stature, the prolonged trophy drought is becoming increasingly difficult for fans to accept.

One of the key criticisms of Arteta’s tenure has been his tendency to rely heavily on young, developing players. Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and William Saliba are shining examples of Arteta’s faith in youth, but their inexperience in critical moments has sometimes cost the team dearly. Critics argue that the lack of seasoned winners in the squad has hindered Arsenal’s ability to cross the finish line in major competitions.

Last season’s Premier League campaign epitomized this struggle. Arsenal led the league table for much of the season, showcasing exciting attacking football and a newly found defensive solidity. However, as the pressure mounted in the final weeks, the team faltered, ultimately conceding the title to Manchester City. For many, this collapse highlighted the gap between Arsenal and the elite teams in English football—not in terms of talent, but in terms of mentality and experience.

The summer of 2023 brought renewed hope, with Arsenal splashing over £200 million on players like Rice, Havertz, and Jurrien Timber. These additions were meant to address the squad’s weaknesses and elevate Arsenal to genuine contenders in all competitions. But halfway through the 2023/24 season, the results have been mixed. While Arsenal has shown flashes of brilliance, consistency has eluded them, and the pressure on Arteta continues to mount.

Arteta’s tactical approach has also come under scrutiny. His commitment to a possession-based style of play often leaves the team vulnerable to counterattacks, particularly against more clinical opponents. In crucial matches, this tactical rigidity has sometimes been exposed, leading to disappointing exits from competitions like the Europa League and domestic cups. For a manager who has spent so heavily, the lack of adaptability is seen by some as a major flaw.

The comparisons to Pep Guardiola, Arteta’s former mentor, are inevitable. Guardiola has shown that heavy spending can translate into sustained success, with Manchester City winning multiple trophies during his tenure. Arteta, by contrast, has yet to replicate this formula, leaving questions about whether he is the right man to lead Arsenal back to the top.

Arsenal’s fanbase remains divided on Arteta’s future. While some supporters appreciate the progress the team has made under his leadership, others are growing impatient with the lack of tangible success. The debate is further fueled by the club’s financial commitment to Arteta’s vision, which has placed Arsenal among Europe’s biggest spenders over the past few seasons.

The January transfer window could represent a turning point. Arteta is reportedly keen to strengthen the squad further, with rumors of moves for established stars circulating. However, more spending will only amplify the pressure on the manager to deliver results. Without silverware to justify these investments, the scrutiny on Arteta will only intensify.

Arsenal’s history is steeped in success, from the Invincibles to FA Cup triumphs under Arsène Wenger. For a club so accustomed to winning, the current trophy drought feels like an anomaly. Arteta’s inability to replicate Wenger’s consistency in delivering trophies raises concerns about whether his project is on the right track.

To his credit, Arteta has undeniably restored some of Arsenal’s identity. The team plays attractive football, and the atmosphere at the Emirates Stadium is better than it has been in years. Yet, football is ultimately a results-driven business, and aesthetics can only take a manager so far. Without trophies, Arteta risks becoming another manager remembered for potential rather than achievement.

As Arsenal competes on multiple fronts this season, the pressure on Arteta will reach new heights. Success in the Premier League, Champions League, or domestic cups could finally validate the club’s significant investment and the faith placed in Arteta. However, failure to secure silverware could lead to difficult questions about his future at the club.

Ultimately, Arteta’s legacy at Arsenal will depend on what he achieves in the coming months. The £600 million spent under his stewardship has built a squad brimming with talent, but the time for excuses is over. Arsenal’s fans, board, and players will be looking to their manager to turn promise into glory and end the long wait for a trophy.