John Obi Mikel dismissed Arsenal’s title hopes, insisting Mikel Arteta must win major trophies after years of heavy spending.
Former Chelsea and Nigeria midfielder John Obi Mikel has dismissed Arsenal’s Premier League title chances with an emphatic three-word response — “Definitely not Arsenal.”
Speaking on talkSPORT Drive, Mikel’s remark sparked laughter from co-hosts Andy Goldstein and Darren Bent, though Arsenal currently top the league with 16 points from seven matches. The ex-Blues star argued that manager Mikel Arteta must deliver major trophies after more than £1 billion in spending since 2019.
“Arsenal Football Club, you shouldn’t be singing and dancing because you won the FA Cup,” Mikel said. “He has to win the Premier League or the Champions League.”
While praising Arteta for transforming the club’s structure and mentality, Mikel questioned whether the current squad has the mental strength to take “the next level.” Arsenal will look to respond when they face Fulham on October 18.