Pundit tells Arsenal to swoop for ‘next Vieira’ as Arteta delivers big transfer hint
Arsenal must sign headstrong players like Patrick Viera in the summer if they want to avoid another torrid campaign.
That is according to ex-Premier League goalkeeper Paddy Kenny, speaking exclusively to Football Insider after Mikel Arteta fired a message to the Arsenal board ahead of the summer window.
Quoted by the Daily Mail, the 39-year-old said: “I think is clear that if we want to improve the team we need some resources.”
Arsenal are currently in 9th place and at risk of not qualifying for Europe for the first time in 25 years.
Kenny claims their current predicament is due in large part to a weak mentality, something they must address in the transfer market.
“It’s a difficult situation,” he told Football Insider correspondent Adam Williams.
“They have been so inconsistent. One week you think they are terrible and the next week you think: ‘Oh, they’re back’.
“I can’t pinpoint an exact area they need to look at. Do they need another striker? They need a commanding centre-half but they are difficult to find.
“I watched the Villareal game the other week and I thought they should at least have had a go.
“They need stronger players and a stronger mindset. You remember Arsenal back in the day with Tony Adams, Martin Keown, Patrick Viera, they didn’t roll over, did they?
“I’m sure they’ll be looking at players like the next Vieira and well as those in all the key areas.”
Arsenal beat West Brom 3-1 on Sunday to keep their faint hopes of a European spot alive.
They face Chelsea, Crystal Palace and Brighton in their remaining three fixtures.
In other news, pundit can’t believe what he’s seen from Willian at Arsenal.