Mikel Arteta sack calls are wrong - Arsenal are working on transfers behind scenes
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While it has become increasingly difficult to defend Arsenal's summer transfer business, the scrutiny Mikel Arteta has been subjected to in the aftermath of the Carabao Cup defeat to Newcastle and FA Cup exit at the hands of Manchester United requires context.
The Spaniard, who has worked around the clock to restore Arsenal's status as a serious outfit both domestically and on the European stage following his appointment in December 2019, has earned the right to warrant some leeway. There are mitigating factors that have halted his side's progress this season, not least high-profile injuries and a series of controversial decisions. Admittedly, they also include the dubious acquisitions of midfielder Mikel Merino and injury-prone defender Riccardo Calafiori, both of which for various reasons have flattered to deceive.
With Arsenal now crying out for a forward to revive their ill-fated campaign, fingers are being pointed at Arteta for sanctioning their arrivals over the signing of a marquee attacker but it's plain to see why both he and departed sporting director Edu felt those deals would be beneficial.
Arsenal scored 88 goals in the 2022-23 season before going three better the following year as they finished second in both campaigns. Only record-breaking champions Manchester City mustered more goals (190) during that time frame. The club's notoriously flimsy defence became water-tight, improving drastically, only conceding 0.76 goals per game during the 2023-24 campaign and Arteta maintained confidence his team would continue to score goals at will.