'We have to...' - Arteta challenges Kroenke to splash cash like Newcastle and Man City in summer window

Mikel Arteta insisted Arsenal needed to compete with Manchester City and Newcastle United in the transfer window.

Arsenal travel to St James’ Park aiming to close Manchester City’s lead at the Premier League summit to just one point.

However, to do so they will have to beat off Newcastle, who have claimed eight wins from their last nine Premier League fixtures and are on course to earn a Champions League place.

While Arsenal appear to have squandered their chance to claim a first Premier League title in 19 years, given City’s imperious form and game in hand, Arteta insisted the club will have to invest in the summer to keep competing near the top of the table.

Indeed, the Gunners boss called on owner Stan Kroenke to invest in the squad as much as Manchester City and Newcastle United, despite said competitors having links to the riches of Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arabia respectively.

Arteta called on Kroenke to spent

When asked if Arsenal could compete with Manchester City and Newcastle in transfer market, Arteta said: “We have to compete with those teams.

“That’s for sure because we are Arsenal football club. The demands are to be the best in everything that we do so we have to find a way to do that.”

Arteta added: “[Newcastle] performed really well this season and they deserve to be where they are and we have done the same. But next season will be something completely different.”

The Spaniard also insisted the club were still in the title race, adding that the Gunners must look to seize their opportunity this term.

Arteta said: “It is the best time [to win the league] because this is the moment right now and the best time is when you have something, you must try to take it, especially in elite sports because you don’t know when you’re going to have another opportunity.

“That’s what we are trying to do. That’s why we go to Newcastle to win the game and continue to be there.”