Wayne Rooney Reveals the Biggest Mistake Mikel Arteta Made at Arsenal

Wayne Rooney biggest Arteta mistake Arsenal exposed as the ex-United striker criticizes Arsenal’s failure to sign a top striker last summer.

Wayne Rooney exposes the biggest Arteta mistake at Arsenal, criticizing the club’s failure to sign a striker last summer.

Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has pinpointed what he considers Mikel Arteta’s biggest managerial misstep at Arsenal: failing to sign a top striker during the summer transfer window. Speaking on Amazon Prime Video, Rooney argued that the decision has significantly weakened Arsenal’s title challenge this season.

Rooney: Arsenal Missed Their Chance

“You would think so,” Rooney said when asked if signing a striker should be Arsenal’s top priority this summer. “Not getting a striker in the summer was the biggest mistake, I think. Getting players in January is always difficult—it’s hard to find the right players for the right price.”

Arsenal’s Title Hopes Fade

Arsenal currently sits second in the Premier League, trailing leaders Liverpool by 13 points. Despite consistent top-four finishes under Arteta, the Gunners have failed to clinch the title, finishing runners-up twice behind Manchester City. This season, they’ve also exited both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup, intensifying scrutiny over squad depth and attacking options.

Rooney emphasized the need for a reliable striker capable of scoring 20–30 goals per season—something Arsenal has lacked. Premier League record scorer Alan Shearer echoed Rooney’s concerns, questioning why the club didn’t act in January or earlier.

Arsenal’s recent form has highlighted their attacking inconsistency. Losses to West Ham and dropped points at Nottingham Forest have exposed their lack of cutting edge. However, a dominant 7–1 win over PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League Round of 16 showed what the team can achieve when firing on all cylinders.

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