 Mikel Arteta has dubbed Arsene Wenger 'a very intelligent man' after the Frenchman backed old club Arsenal to lift the Premier League title this coming season. Arsenal news, exclusives and analysis Sign up Privacy Policy The north Londoners fell just short of ending their 19-year wait to win the title after defending champions Manchester City put together a 12-match winning run at the backend of the campaign en route to a famous treble. Far from licking their wounds, Arsenal have brought in three new additions – Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber – for just over £200million this summer as they look to go one step further next season. Wenger is certainly confident about their chances, telling Eurosport this week: 'I believe we will win the championship, it is as simple as that.' Arteta certainly hopes his old manager's prediction comes true, though feels the Premier League title race will be even tougher this time around – particularly with Arsenal once again competing in the Champions League for the first time in six years. Asked about Wenger's comments in an interview with ESPN, Arteta laughed and replied: 'Hopefully he is right! He is a very intelligent man with huge experience, so I am hoping that he is right. 'It will be more difficult [next season] for sure, because the league is going to go to a different level again – which is already incredible. Arsenal are in the United States for their pre-season tour (Picture: Getty) 'And then obviously playing Champions League – which we haven't played for many years at the club – is going to bring different demands. 'That's why we need a deeper squad than what we had last year and the things we have done this summer are related to that, and more quality as well for sure.' Arsenal ended the season just five points shy of City but Arteta believes there is still plenty of room for improvement from his young team and){kind=link}
NEWS… BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT
Mikel Arteta has dubbed Arsene Wenger ‘a very intelligent man’ after the Frenchman backed old club Arsenal to lift the Premier League title this coming season.
Arsenal news, exclusives and analysis
The north Londoners fell just short of ending their 19-year wait to win the title after defending champions Manchester City put together a 12-match winning run at the backend of the campaign en route to a famous treble.
Far from licking their wounds, Arsenal have brought in three new additions – Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber – for just over £200million this summer as they look to go one step further next season.