However, it still wasn’t enough and now, Mikel Arteta must somehow find new players to improve the squad and drive standards.
Indeed, this weekend we have seen players linked and one of those to get a mention again is Aston Villa star, Douglas Luiz.
Luiz is being watched by Arsenal and Man United. And if he does indeed sign for Arsenal, the Gunners could be getting a player who former winger Jermaine Pennant said was even better in the six than Declan Rice.
As we know, Rice had a huge first season with Arsenal and impressed. But it was only at the back end of 2023 that former Gunner Jermaine Pennant suggested someone like Douglas Luiz is even better in the holding role than Rice.
“Any team would dream to have Rice, but there are better sixes in the Premier League at the moment,” he said on Kick Off for talkSPORT.
“I would say Douglas Luiz of Aston Villa, I think he can do everything that Rice can do and better. I think he assists more, he chips in with goals more than Rice.
“Creativity wise he’s better, flair is better, he can put in a tackle just like Rice, break up play just like Rice.
“So I think if someone said to me you can have Douglas Luiz for £60m or Declan Rice for £100m, easy every day of the week, Douglas Luiz.”
