Giroud identifies major Arsenal ‘problem’ for Arteta

The former Gunners striker isn’t sure Mikel Arteta can lead the club back into the top-four for one key reason.

A lack of serious investment could become a huge obstacle for Mikel Arteta at Arsenal, says Olivier Giroud.

The Gunners flexed their financial muscle in the summer by spending around €165.6 million on Ben White, Martin Odegaard, Albert Sambi Lokonga, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Aaron Ramsdale, and Nuno Tavares.

It’s taken some time for the new signings to thrive, but things have improved. Before the international break, Arsenal embarked on a four-match unbeaten to close to within four points of fourth-placed Manchester United in the standings – albeit down in 11th.

But can Arteta keep the results going and restore Arsenal as a top-four side?

“Wow, that’s a good question! I think Mikel Arteta has got time to come back in the top four,” Giroud told talkSPORT about the Arsenal manager’s chances.

“But sometimes the problem is that money plays a huge part in success also.

“When you see Chelsea after winning the Champions League spend over £80million (£97.5m) on Romelu Lukaku to reinforce the forward line and after spending a lot of millions the year before, I think money plays a huge part.

“That’s the thing with Arsenal. Maybe they don’t put as much in as their opponents.”