Tony Adams identifies where Mikel Arteta must improve on Unai Emery’s Arsenal tenure

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Tony Adams has told Sky Sports that he believes Mikel Arteta will only be a success at Arsenal if he can improve upon Unai Emery’s work in the transfer market, which was below par in the Arsenal legend’s opinion.

Emery took over in the summer of 2018 and signed six new players in his first season. Of those, Stephan Lichesteiner and Denis Suarez have left – while Sokratis has struggled. Lucas Torreira, Matteo Guendouzi and Bernd Leno are the other three.

Last summer, Emery splashed £72million on Nicolas Pepe, while Kieran Tierney has spent more time in the treatment room. David Luiz has struggled, while William Saliba was bought for almost £30million – but was loaned back to St. Etienne.

Arsenal legend Adams stated he is happy that Arteta is at the helm and is hoping the new Spanish boss can improve on Emery’s work in the transfer market. Adams believes that if Arteta gets that right, he will be a success.

“He is doing a great job. I really like the man and his enthusiasm. I am glad he is well and recovered from the virus,” Adams said. “I have been speaking for the last 10 years about recruitment at the club and I think that really needs to up it’s game.

“The coach is irrelevant. (Unai) Emery was a fantastic coach but recruitment let him down. If you get that right then the coach has a chance.”

TBR’s view – What do Arsenal need this summer?

The Gunners need a centre-back, and maybe even two. They need to get rid of defenders such as Luiz, Sokratis and Shokdran Mustafi and bring in central defenders who are not overpaid – but ones that have resale value and are on the up.

Saliba can help that, but the likes of Merih Demiral or Dayot Upamecano would be perfect. A central midfielder is also crucial, especially if Dani Ceballos doesn’t sign permanently. A tough, Patrick Vieira-like midfielder would be ideal.

Thomas Partey, for example. A new striker could also be required, if Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang leaves.