MIK'S MESSAGES

Gunners’ £187m spree but Arteta still short of magic

- By Ryan Taylor

ONLY the Premier League title or Champions League glory will do for Arsenal this season.

And when a 15-yearold sensation, who is not even eligible to feature in Europe until 2026, is the highlight of your preseason that should alarm Mikel Arteta.

While it is hard to draw conclusions from friendlies, a defeat while shipping three sloppy goals in your penultimate warm-up fixture is hardly ideal preparation for a game away to a rejuvenated Manchester United.

There is little margin for error this term. Both Liverpool and Manchester City have strengthened, and Arsenal cannot afford a slow start.

In the opening six fixtures, the Gunners face trips to United, Liverpool and Newcastle, and host Leeds, Nottingham Forest and City.