Arteta can only be judged as Arsenal boss after one thing happens, says Campbell

Sol Campbell has given his assessment of Mikel Arteta's Arsenal reign as the Gunners again look set to fall short in the Premier League title race, this time to Liverpool

Sol Campbell says Mikel Arteta's Arsenal reign can only be judged once he has brought in a top-class number nine.

While the Gunners have made great strides under Arteta, they again look set to fall short in the Premier League title race, this time to Liverpool after two runner-up finishes to Manchester City.

The shortage of a world-class goalscorer has held Arsenal back, while season-ending injuries to Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz have undermined this season’s title bid. Arteta, who won the FA Cup in his first season at the helm in 2020, is coming under mounting pressure to secure more silverware, which he hopes will arrive in this season's UEFA Champions League.

If not, Campbell says the Spaniard deserves more patience and the chance to revamp this squad this summer. The former Gunners defender said: "Every manager, every player, we all want to win. If it keeps on going without winning… yeah, you're playing very good football and missing out, but what you’re remembered by is the trophies.

"Ultimately, it is 'Have you won anything?’ For me, getting the forward [in], the injection of money apparently this summer, it’s good for the club and good for Arteta.

"Once he has his whole team, and then judge him after that. You cannot judge him at the moment, he has brought the club on such an incredible journey and has just missed out a couple of times by a whisker. It’s tiny margins. Get a forward in, a couple of really decent players in and allow them the space to bed in and then see what happens after that."

Sol Campbell was speaking on behalf of bet365, an Official Global Partner of the UEFA Champions League, which is hosting an epic Big Ticket Giveaway Game this Saturday 5th April at Potters Fields Park from 4pm, where fans have the chance to win UEFA Champions League Quarter-Final tickets, see the iconic UEFA Champions League trophy and meet Sol himself. Full Terms and Conditions apply. Gamble Responsibly.

Arsenal have been perennially linked with Newcastle marksman Alexander Isak, and Campell believes the club have a genuine shot at finally signing the Swedish striker.

“I think yes, they have got a chance,” said the former England defender. “First of all, they have to have the right money to get Newcastle to start listening. It’s going to come down to the player; does he feel like Arsenal are the right club for him? I’m sure he will have two or three really top clubs looking at him.

“It will come down to Isak and if he feels it is the right club for him, where he feels he is going to have the best chance of being extremely successful. Also, he wants to make a name for himself as well.

“Some players can add on to the amazing centre-forwards that were there before them. The big gap between the last [world-class] centre-forward [at Arsenal] was Thierry Henry - that’s a big gap.

“If he goes to Arsenal, the slate is clean, you have the history of someone like Henry, but they have had many, many years of just missing out and not making the level. If you can improve that and be the guy to allow Arsenal to make that level, then that is a bigger impact. He will be thinking about all of those things.”

Campbell says signing a player of Isak’s calibre could be the missing piece for Arsenal and Arteta, although there are other areas to strengthen. He added: “I think it will definitely help towards that. I think they also need to maybe look on the wings and definitely in the centre as well, midfield-wise, I think that’s important.

“It’s also important to have a good back-up when it comes to the goalkeeper as well. For me, it’s not just one player. The youngsters that are coming through are excellent, so that is always good because you always need players who are excellent.

“If one or two guys are injured, suspended or are not reaching the level, you can bring a player in and the level doesn’t drop. You want that competition that brings success, you want that environment.”