Arsenal back Mikel Arteta despite Europa League exit as Kroenkes sanction summer spending spree

Arsenal ‘decide to stick’ with Mikel Arteta despite tame Europa League exit and dire Premier League season… with Kroenkes willing to sanction ‘summer spending spree’ to try and appease protesting fans

  • Arsenal will reportedly stick with Mikel Arteta as boss despite growing pressure
  • Defeat to Villarreal and poor league season have led to questions over his job
  • But Kroenkes still have faith and are willing to sanction summer spending spree
  • Owners hope signing of big players will also help appease protesting supporters 

Arsenal have reportedly decided to stick with Mikel Arteta and are willing to provide him with transfer funds to splash this summer.

The Spaniard’s future has been debated over the last 24 hours after the Gunners were knocked out of the Europa League in timid fashion to former boss Unai Emery’s Villarreal side.

However, according to The Sun, the Kroenke family and technical director Edu still have faith that Arteta is the right man to lead the club and will not look to replace the 39-year-old.

Arsenal have reportedly decided to stick with Mikel Arteta as boss for the start of next season

The Kroenke family still have faith in him and will sanction summer moves to back Spaniard

The Kroenke family still have faith in him and will sanction summer moves to back Spaniard

Despite the financial strain the club will feel as a result of likely not being in Europe next season for the first time in over 25 years, owner Stan Kroenke is believed to still be willing to sanction two or three signings to try and win over fans.

While the club’s hierarchy still support Arteta, should the club remain in mid-table by the end of 2021, the decision to move him on will then be made.

Arsenal received just under £39million from UEFA for their run to the 2019 Europa League final and less than £30m last season when they were knocked out at the last-32 stage, sums that will not be available to the club next year after a dismal season.

The players will miss out on thousands in pre-agreed bonuses as a result of failing to qualify for the Champions League, while players who have European qualification clauses written into their contracts will also lose out. 

Arsenal fans protested in huge numbers before a Premier League match against Everton recently, sparked by their club’s involvement in the European Super League proposals but largely an outpouring of resentment that has been felt towards the Kroenke family for many years. 

Arsenal fans turned out in huge numbers to protest against Stan Kroenke's ownership

Arsenal fans turned out in huge numbers to protest against Stan Kroenke’s ownership

The Gunners currently sit ninth in the table, and face a fight just to finish in the top half of the table.

Speaking after the two-legged defeat to Villarreal, Arteta admitted he felt the pressure after a dreadful night for the club.

‘We are devastated, really disappointed,’ Arteta said. ‘We know how much the Europa League meant to the club and to the fans. 

‘It’s a huge blow. I feel the pressure all the time because I want to do as good as I can for the team.’

When asked if he remained confident that he could turn things around, the Spaniard was clear. ‘Yes – I wouldn’t be sitting here if I didn’t.’

Arteta also insisted it was important his side focused on actions rather than words when it came to how the side bounced back from the setback. 

‘You will see. It’s not about talking, it’s about showing it on the pitch.’

Arteta remains confident he can turn things around despite a dire season for the Gunners

Arteta remains confident he can turn things around despite a dire season for the Gunners