Mikel Arteta's Arsenal will have to endure another trophyless campaign this season due to their recent exit from the Champions League at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain
Alan Shearer has thrown his support behind Mikel Arteta, insisting the Arsenal board must back him with more new signings. The Gunners' Champions League dreams were dashed by Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday night, with a 2-1 defeat leading to a 3-1 aggregate loss in the semi-final.
It meant their hopes for silverware this season were quashed, having been comfortably beaten to the Premier League title by Liverpool. With Manchester City struggling, many thought this was Arsenal's opportunity to win the title, but they have not been able to keep pace with Arne Slot's side.
At the start of May, former Arsenal shot-stopper Jens Lehmann said Arteta's job could be at risk if their run without a trophy continues. Shearer believes the sack would be too harsh for Arteta, insisting the ex-City assistant manager needs more backing in the transfer windows.
Shearer said to Betfair: "If Arsenal get a striker in, I do think Arteta is the man to get them over the line. I haven't changed my opinion from the start of the season.
"I said that if they were to get a top striker then I believe they'd be challenging for everything. I do think that if they can rectify that problem then yes Arteta can do.
"But it's been a poor season because of their very high standards. They want and have to win things.
"I know they won the FA Cup five years ago, but for Arsenal, they were second best in the Champions League, Carabao Cup and the Premier League so it doesn't take a genius to work out what they need to do.
"I'd think Arsenal need to sign two or three big-hitters and a striker definitely needs to be at the top of their list. That has to happen for Arsenal to reach the next level and win the Champions League or Premier League.
"The problem they've got now is that there are so many other clubs looking for strikers now as well. They'll be in a really congested market. Liverpool, Man United and Chelsea will all need a striker, so Arsenal will be in a congested market."
Despite a season that hasn't quite gone according to plan for Arsenal fans, many attribute the team's struggles to the long-term injuries of key players like Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Magalhaes, Kai Havertz and others. The Gunners had their moments against PSG, but couldn't break through Ginaluigi Donnarumma's resistance.
Arteta now faces the challenge of refocusing his squad, who risk being pulled into a battle for the top five spots. They currently sit in second place, but with a challenging trip to Anfield to face reigning champions Liverpool, and a home game against Newcastle United on the horizon.
They are yet to mathematically secure the place in the Champions League and now Pep Guardiola's City is breathing down their neck in third position, three points behind and with a better goal difference.
Chelsea, too, are within striking distance, only four points adrift following a successful run that saw them triumph over Fulham, Everton and Liverpool.