Liverpool just completed a record-breaking transfer window, with a total expenditure of 596.7 million USD, surpassing the previous mark of 580.6 million USD set by Chelsea in the summer of 2023. The Anfield club also broke the transfer record twice in the same window, first by recruiting Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen for a total fee of 170 million USD, then Alexander Isak from Newcastle for 175.5 million USD.
"Liverpool are certainly the strongest", Arteta said on 12/9 during the press conference before the match against Nottingham Forest in the fourth round of the Premier League. "They have added two of the most decisive players on the market. They were already very strong, and now they're even stronger. What we need to do is focus on ourselves, improve our ability to overcome them".
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Manager Mikel Arteta directs an Arsenal training session on 11/9. Photo: Arsenal FC |
Manager Mikel Arteta directs an Arsenal training session on 11/9. Photo: Arsenal FC
In the 2024-2025 season, Arsenal fell behind early and finished 10 points behind champions Liverpool. When asked about the challenge of overthrowing their rivals, Arteta emphasized: "The problem is not just Liverpool but also the league in general, as the level has been raised. Maintaining stability and winning enough games to compete for the title is a long and difficult journey for all teams".
Arsenal, who lost 0-1 to Liverpool before the international break, also spent heavily with over 300 million USD on eight new players. Among them, defender Piero Hincapie, loaned from Leverkusen on the last day of the transfer window, is likely to make his debut in today's match against Nottingham Forest.
Regarding personnel, Bukayo Saka continues to be absent due to a hamstring injury, while William Saliba has returned to training. The two key Arsenal players are both in contract extension negotiations, with their current deals expiring in 2027. Arteta said: "The negotiation process has never stopped, but the cooperation between the club, Sporting Director Andrea Berta, and the agents is very good. The positive thing is that the players all want to stay, want to be a part of the club's history for years to come".
In this round, Nottingham Forest will introduce manager Ange Postecoglou, who just replaced Nuno Espirito Santo. "Ange has a very clear philosophy and style of football", Arteta praised his colleague. "His way of playing gives the team an easily recognizable identity. I have learned a lot from him, and this match will certainly be difficult".
Today's match at the Emirates is also an opportunity for Arsenal to reunite with Edu, their former sporting director, who has now joined the global football leadership team of Nottingham Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis. Comparing Edu with his successor Andrea Berta, Arteta affirmed that both have made great contributions in different stages. "Edu did a great job when the team was in transition. When he left, Andrea came and is also doing a great job. There is no need to compare because both are excellent", the Spanish manager expressed.
Hong Duy (according to ESPN, The Guardian)
