Wenger's Arsenal prediction laughed off as Arteta told signing will 'flop'

17 July 2023 , 09:50

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Wenger's Arsenal prediction laughed off as Arteta told signing will 'flop'

Former Tottenham midfielder Jamie O'Hara has mocked legendary Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger after he claimed the Gunners will win the Premier League next season.

Arsenal finished second in the league last season, five points behind champions Manchester City, and have significantly strengthened their squad this summer with the signings of Kai Havertz, Jurrien Timber and Declan Rice.

And Wenger believes the new additions will help Arsenal win their first league title since the 2003-04 Invincibles season. "I think it is a good investment," Wenger told Eurosport of Arsenal's summer signings.

"Overall, personally I think they have made good buys as they are players who are now mature, 23,24, and still young so can stay together for a few years. They will be under more pressure after last year, but they have learned a lot and they can show they can deal with that pressure now.

"I had to cope with no money at all, so you have to find a different way. Arsenal is now in a good financial situation and bought what they think will win the championship. I believe we will win the championship, it is as simple as that. I have less doubts for Arsenal than the cycling today."

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Jamie O'Hara burst out laughing when told Arsene Wenger believes Arsenal will win the Premier League (Twitter/@talkSPORT)

However, when Wenger's comments were put to O'Hara, the talkSPORT presenter burst out laughing and insisted Arsenal have "still got a long way to go" before they can win the league. "Come on, they're all getting a bit carried away aren't they these Arsenal fans," O'Hara said.

"Everyone's getting a little bit carried away. They've signed Declan Rice, brilliant signing don't get me wrong. I'm jealous of it being a Spurs fan, but let's not get carried away. They've still got a long way to go.

Wenger has been impressed by Arsenal's transfer business this summer (Tom Dulat/Getty Images)

"Teams are all improving this season, everyone's improving. Kai Havertz... he can't hit a barn door. He wasn't good enough [at Chelsea] so they got rid of him. I'm telling you now, Havertz will be a flop at Arsenal."

Gunners boss Mikel Arteta and sporting director Edu, however, are convinced Havertz will be a huge success at the Emirates. "Kai is a player of top quality," Arteta said. "He has great versatility and is an intelligent player. He will bring a huge amount of extra strength to our midfield and variety to our play."

Edu added: "Kai is an exciting addition to our squad, who will bring great attacking quality and versatility. As an experienced 24-year-old, his signing represents another important step in strengthening our young core of talented players we have at Arsenal."

Matthew Cooper