Arsenal news: Mikel Arteta's sack warning as former Gunners transfer chief lands new job

Arsenal kicked off their Champions League journey against Athletic Bilbao on Tuesday night, but the focus will soon shift back to the Premier League. Mikel Arteta's squad looked in fine form in their triumph over Nottingham Forest last Saturday, with the clean sheet ensuring they still boast the joint-best defensive record in the competition, yet a significant challenge lies ahead.

The Gunners have already faced Manchester United and Liverpool on their travels, with Manchester City next in line this Sunday. However, City will have slightly less time to prepare, as their European campaign commences on Thursday against Napoli.

Apart from the loss at Liverpool, Arteta's team has shown impressive form in the league. They ended 10 points behind Liverpool in an injury-plagued 2024/25 season, but are hopeful that a busy summer has better prepared them for a serious push for the top spot this term.

Mikel Arteta has achieved three consecutive second-place finishes, firmly re-establishing Arsenal amongst the domestic heavyweights. Questions are starting to surface about how long he can continue without securing a major trophy, although many fans are simply relieved to have moved past the challenging years preceding his tenure.

Arteta's accomplishments were under the spotlight prior to the trip to Bilbao, and that's one of today's talking points. Here are the latest updates from Football London on the goings-on around Emirates Stadium.

Arteta given warning about potential sacking

Former Premier League forward Stan Collymore has issued a stark warning to Mikel Arteta, stating that another trophyless season could see him sacked from Arsenal. Despite guiding his squad to FA Cup victory in 2020, Arteta has failed to secure any further silverware.

"Does Arteta need to get his hand on silverware this season? Without a doubt," said Collymore, who was speaking to 10Bet Casino. He argued the substantial investment in the Gunners necessitates a trophy, adding: "The pressure is on Mikel Arteta and Arsenal to win something.

"When I say win something, he'd be able to limp on if he won one or both League Cup and FA Cups, that would be taken as some kind of proof of a change. But really, he's got to get his hands on the Premier League or the Champions League this season."

Ayto's return confirmed

In other news, former Arsenal transfer chief Jason Ayto has returned to the Premier League, taking up the role of sporting director at Brighton. Ayto previously held a similar position at Arsenal on an interim basis, bridging the gap between Edu and Andrea Berta, and played a significant part in bringing Martin Zubimendi to North London.

"I'm honoured to be appointed sporting director at Brighton & Hove Albion and I'm very grateful to [owner] Tony Bloom, [CEO] Paul Barber and the board for this opportunity.," Ayto stated. "This is a special club, admired across the footballing world for its culture, ambition and smart thinking, all of which has underpinned some remarkable progress in recent years.

"To be joining at a time when there is such a strong desire to build on those excellent foundations, innovate further, and bring success is incredibly exciting. I'm looking forward to getting started and working with, and supporting both our head coaches Fabian Hurzeler and Dario Vidosic, and their respective playing squads."

Raya delivers Zubimendi assessment

David Raya has been full of admiration for club and international colleague Martin Zubimendi. Summer acquisition Zubimendi netted his maiden brace for the Gunners in the clash with Nottingham Forest, thundering home a strike from distance before adding some gloss with a late header.

"He's incredible," Raya revealed to club media whilst discussing his fellow Spaniard. "I've shared the dressing room with him with the national team and now he's here he's even surprised me even more.

"He's a player that's so intelligent. He knows how to play for the team, he doesn't play for himself. His positioning in defence and attack is incredible. It's a credit to have him."

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