Don Hutchison has changed his mind about Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal after they secured transfer deals for Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber.
The former Liverpool midfielder says he initially claimed that Arsenal would ‘struggle to get into the top four’ ahead of the new Premier League campaign, as he told ESPN.
But with the new season upon us, he is backing them to finish above Manchester United, who they lost to in a pre-season friendly in New York over the weekend – there was a lot of controversy over Lisandro Martinez’s challenge.
Jurrien Timber started the game at right-back, whilst Declan Rice was also shown off in his new colours and Kai Havertz was deployed in the middle of the park after playing as a number nine for Chelsea.
Not only do these players bulk up the club’s squad, but they also are worthy contenders to start their first Premier League game of the 23/24 season against Nottingham Forest next month.
Rice is the one who is most likely to get thrown straight in, especially given that he is a club-record transfer, but either way, Hutchison is now changing his mind about the London club.
“This is coming from a man, two weeks ago, that said Arsenal might struggle for the top four,” said Hutchison. “But I am going to go with Stevie Nicol (for Arsenal to finish above Man United) because of the signings that they have made.
“Before they signed Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Timber, I said they would struggle for the top four, so now, to answer your question (who will finish higher Arsenal or Manchester United), I think it’s Arsenal. I don’t think it’s by a massive margin.
“But without Manchester United having a number nine, and 25 goals, can Marcus Rashford have the same season, this season, as he had last? Because he was incredible.”
More signings to come?
With over a month left before the 2023 summer transfer window slams shut, are Arsenal done there or will they do more talking in the market?
They might have to part ways with a few players yet, Nicolas Pepe’s career at the Emirates seems to be over after Arteta’s comments, whilst Hale-End star, Folarin Balogun, could be Serie A bound.
If those deals, plus more, get done, then it wouldn’t be a surprise if Arteta brings more faces in because this is now the biggest season of his managerial career.
The post 'Above Man United': Don Hutchison changes his mind about Arsenal after triple transfer call appeared first on HITC.
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