Mikel Arteta admits ‘big concern’ over Arsenal’s transfer funds after upsetting Liverpool

The Gunners rallied against the champions with Alexandre Lacazette and Reiss Nelson scoring in a memorable victory

Mikel Arteta admits it is a “big concern” as to whether Arsenal have the finances to compete in the Premier League.

Alexandre Lacazette and Reiss Nelson struck following Sadio Mane’s opener to inflict defeat on Liverpool in a memorable victory for the Gunners.

While comparing his job to the one Arsene Wenger initially inherited at the club, the 38-year-old insists ”the competition in the country is much harder than it was before”.

And a frank Arteta revealed his concern over the club’s transfer budget this summer.

“I don’t know,” Arteta told Sky Sports when pressed over his plans to overhaul the squad. “[It’s a] big concern. You know, you have to see how they [Liverpool] build their squad, there’s no magic.

“You need to improve with quality, quality players in the squad and bigger squads to compete in this competition. That’s the challenge.”

Despite an uncertain future, the Spaniard was delighted after upsetting the champions, though he conceded his side got “lucky”.

“You have to have good moments, take your chances, defend in many moments, and a bit of luck – today we had all of that,” Arteta added.

“The belief, I was worried about the 1-0 and how we would react.

“Before I think we would have gone down, but today they reacted.

“I have no idea, not before the game and in the same position now. Our maximum, there are only a few more games. We’ll go for it.

“Massive, the difference between the two teams today, the gap is enormous. We cannot improve it in two months, but we can improve accountability, energy, commitment and fight. I’m very proud of that.

“At least we have that, we can create something.”