Arsenal can learn from rival clubs as Arteta rebuilds his squad

Despite the league double over Chelsea this season, it’s the Blues that will be playing for the Champions League crown later this month and a top four finish. Meanwhile, Arsenal is ninth in the table with eighth place probably the best the club can hope for with just two matches remaining.

Even with the clubs’ rivalries, Chelsea can provide the Gunners with an example of how to change things in the future.

In reverse to this season, Chelsea found themselves in a similar situation to Arsenal five years ago when they finished tenth. That was the year that Leicester surprised the football world and was crowned Premier League champions, with Arsenal finishing second and ten points behind the Foxes.

The Blues started the 2015/2016 season as reigning champions. By December, the club was sitting in 16th place. Owner Roman Abramovich fired Jose Mourinho for the second time and brought in Guus Hiddink as interim manager until the end of the season. In the end, Chelsea finished tenth. It was the first time in years that Chelsea faced a season without European football.

More from Pain in the Arsenal

• 3 standout players from 1-0 victory over Everton
• 3 positives & negatives from Goodison Park victory
• Arsenal vs PSV preview: Prediction, team news & lineups
• 3 talking points from Arsenal’s victory at Goodison Park
• Mikel Arteta provides Gabriel Martinelli injury update after Everton win

Arsenal can learn from Premier League rivals as Mikel Arteta rebuilds his squad for 2021/22

Chelsea took advantage of its situation and concentrated solely on the league and domestic cups. Without managerial controversy and the extra midweek travel, Antonio Conte led Chelsea from tenth to top of the pile.

Arsenal is facing a similar fate. While it’s not an ideal situation, it may be a blessing in disguise. The Arsenal brass has thrown their support behind Arteta and all signs are he will have the opportunity to rebuild his squad. With no European commitments, Arteta will be able to spend more time with his players on the training pitch and focus solely on domestic opponents. In return, the manager will have no place to hide if he is unable to change the club’s fortune.

Of course, the lack of European football means less money coming into the club. It will also make attracting top prospects more difficult. However, some of Arsenal’s most recent big-money signings such as Nicolas Pepe, Thomas Partey, and Gabriel have so far not provided value for the money spent.

Leicester City’s recruitment success is an example of smarts over huge contracts. Over the past five seasons, the one-time yo-yo club has become a force in English football. Part of the reason lies in the fact that the Foxes have an owner that backs his manager which has laid foundations for the club to conduct some shrewd business.

Riyad Mahrez, N’Golo Kante, Ben Chilwell, Danny Drinkwater, and Harry Maguire cost Leicester a combined £18m. They were later sold for a total of £260m. Leicester’s scouting staff have regularly found hidden gems at reasonable prices. A well-oiled machine from top to bottom, with a clear strategy and efficient recruitment, management and ownership troupe behind it.

Another lesson can be learned from Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp. When Klopp was hired, his side hadn’t won a title in 20 years. Fenway Sports Group and its new manager had a long-term plan to bring success back to the club, one that wouldn’t be achieved overnight.

Liverpool finished eighth in Klopp’s first season, but patience was a part of the club’s rebuilding plan and success followed.

It’s obvious that Arsenal is not receiving much sympathy for the club’s current malaise. The Gunners have been one of the most successful teams in the Premier League era hasn’t helped; it’s natural to enjoy seeing once-powerful rivals fail.

The upside is that the club’s history, success, and past legendary players are well known throughout the sport. Arsenal as an institution remain a powerhouse, even if that grip on the world of football has loosened. With backing to Arteta, a magnificent core of talent and Arsenal undergoing its business intelligently, there’s hope that the club can get back to competing with the top sides in England and abroad.

A lot to ask for. A lot of ifs. But not dead in the water.