Alan Shearer Expresses Concern Over Mikel Arteta’s Future After Arsenal’s Costly Mistake

Mikel Arteta Under Pressure: Arsenal’s Manager Faces a Defining Season After Costly Mistakes

Ex-England striker and football pundit Alan Shearer has weighed in on Mikel Arteta’s future at Arsenal, suggesting that Mikel Arteta is under pressure following another season without silverware. Shearer believes that Arsenal’s failure to secure a Premier League title, despite significant investment in the squad, could lead to serious discussions about Arteta’s future at the club.

Arsenal has finished as Premier League runners-up for the past two seasons, narrowly missing out on the title to Manchester City and, more recently, Liverpool. While the Gunners have shown consistency, their inability to capitalize on key moments has raised concerns among fans and analysts alike. Shearer pointed out that Arsenal’s decision not to sign a world-class striker last summer or during the winter transfer window was a critical mistake that may have cost them the title.

The Gunners’ attacking struggles have been evident, with injuries to Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz further exposing their lack of depth in the forward line. Despite dominating possession in key matches, Arsenal has often failed to convert chances into goals, a flaw that has ultimately prevented them from securing silverware.

Alan Shearer told Betfair that he firmly believes Mikel Arteta has what it takes to lead Arsenal to success—provided they secure a top-class striker. His stance hasn’t wavered since the start of the season.

“I maintained from the beginning that if Arsenal could bring in a high-caliber striker, they would be serious contenders across all competitions,” he explained. “I still stand by that view. If they can resolve that issue, then yes, Arteta has the ability to make it happen.”

However, Shearer acknowledged that, by their own high standards, Arsenal’s season has been disappointing. “This club is built on winning, and they expect nothing less,” he added.

Shearer also noted that Arteta’s public statements about Arsenal’s performances have left him open to criticism. The manager’s insistence that his team deserved better results, despite failing to secure victories, has raised eyebrows among pundits and fans alike. While Arteta has built a strong squad and instilled a clear tactical identity, the lack of trophies remains a major concern.

According to Shearer, Arsenal’s priority should be securing a top-class striker in the summer transfer window. He warned that the club would likely face inflated prices due to their desperation for a goal scorer. Additionally, he stressed that Arteta must prove he can turn Arsenal’s promising performances into tangible success, or the club’s hierarchy may start considering alternative managerial options.

Beyond signing a striker, Arsenal must also address their squad depth and tactical flexibility. While their defensive solidity has improved, their ability to adapt in high-pressure situations remains questionable. Arteta must ensure that his team can handle the demands of a long season, particularly in the Champions League, where they have struggled to progress beyond the latter stages.