Former Super Eagles captain John Mikel Obi has told Mikel Arteta that the time has come to finally deliver the biggest prizes at Arsenal, warning that the club must aim for the Premier League or the Champions League this season, Footynaija.com reports.
Mikel, who won the Premier League, Champions League, and multiple cups at Chelsea, said Arsenal have built one of the strongest squads in Europe after years of heavy spending. He believes the club’s owners have given Arteta everything he needs to succeed.
In his words, “I have to say, and to all Arsenal fans, this is the time. The club, the owners, and the hierarchy have massively backed the team. Two players in every position. Massively backed him. They have the strongest squad in the Premier League alongside Liverpool, especially in terms of depth.”
Speaking on The Obi One Podcast, Mikel stressed that winning only domestic cups will not be enough for a team that has invested so much in top players.
He pointed to the summer arrivals of Viktor Gyökeres, who scored over 40 goals for Sporting CP last season, Spain international Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad, and England winger Noni Madueke from Chelsea as proof that Arsenal are serious about challenging on all fronts.
“There is no excuse now for Mikel. He knows that, and I am happy he has come out and said it. He has to win the Premier League or the Champions League. Winning the FA Cup or League Cup will not cut it,” Mikel said.
Arsenal have gone close under Arteta, finishing second in the Premier League for three straight years and reaching the Champions League semi-final last season.
Their last trophy remains the FA Cup in 2020, a run that has drawn criticism from many, including club legend Thierry Henry, who also believes the team should have more silverware.
