Danny Murphy believes that Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal will “wow” people next season.
Arteta was only able to guide the Gunners to eighth place last season in his first full season in charge.
It is the second season the club has finished two spots outside of the top six, although hopes had been raised last summer after he led the Gunners to a win in the FA Cup final.
Arsenal failed to gain momentum last season and finished six points out of the top six and 25 points behind champion Manchester City.
However, without Europa League football next season, Arteta’s men could benefit.
The Spaniard is also looking to move smartly in the transfer market with Ben White understood as his next focus.
Nuno Tavares and Albert Sambi Lokonga of Benfica and Anderlecht respectively have already increased the ranks at The Emirates. Apparently that’s enough for Murphy, a former Liverpool and Fulham star, to think Arsenal could be a force again.
«I have a feeling and I don’t know where it comes from», Murphy told talkSPORT. “I think without European football and it seems like they are having a chance in the market, I think Arsenal could surprise some.
“Although they are off to a difficult start, I think some of their young players, Emile Smith Rowe and Bukayo Saka, for example, are tremendous.
“And [Thomas] Part and staying in shape, we’ve seen glimpses of his skill. I could rest in [Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang]He’s just had a bad season.
“I think Arsenal might surprise some people, but we were wrong before.”
Bookmakers predict championship final table for 2021/22
Tammy Abraham last
Meanwhile, reports claim that Arsenal will agree to Tammy Abraham’s personal terms.
The 23-year-old appears to exceed the requirements at Chelsea after falling down the pecking order. He seemed poised for a stellar Blues career after his great 2019-2020 season. The Londoner scored 18 goals in 47 appearances in all competitions.
International six times with England, it seemed that he had the world of football at his feet. However, the arrival of Thomas Tuchel in West London has changed all that.
He was sidelined by the German tactician and played just 17 minutes of soccer with the former Paris Saint-Germain manager. There is nothing to suggest that something will be different in the next campaign and a walk away look at the cards.
Several clubs have been linked, with known fans from Aston Villa and West Ham. Earlier this month it emerged that the Hammers were leading the queue for their signature.
But now the Gunners have appeared on the scene and are eager to acquire their services. Abraham is said to earn around £ 80,000 a week in Chelsea, but he is asking for £ 125,000 from North Londoners.
And the Emirates team is willing to pay that amount, according to The Express.
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