Mikel Arteta hails Arsenal signings for 'big impact' in helping club to next level

Mikel Arteta has hailed Arsenal’s summer signings for taking the squad to a new level.

The Gunners are currently top of the Premier League table and four points clear of Manchester City with just two matches to go, but Pep Guardiola’s side have two games in hand - starting at home to Wolves on Saturday evening.

After fading in the title race last season, Arsenal have stayed true this time around and Arteta has hailed the impact of their summer signings.

Declan Rice scored and won match of the match in their 3-0 win over Bournemouth, while Kai Havertz impressed too.

Goalkeeper David Raya also claimed the Premier League’s Golden Glove award after the game thanks to yet another clean sheet.

“If we spend money we’d better do it wisely and in the most effective way,” said Arteta. “We’re really happy with the recruitment that we had.

“It had a big impact in the team, it has raised not only the level of the team but the level of the rest of the players as well.

“You see today we had some big performances from a lot of individuals. If we want to be at that stage you need that.”

Havertz put in another fine performance against Bournemouth as he impressed as a No9.

The German had a difficult start to life at Arsenal following his £65million move from Chelsea in the summer, but he is flourishing now.

Havertz was at the heart of a lot of Arsenal’s good play on Saturday, winning the penalty for the opening goal scored by Bukayo Saka.

“He was unbelievable today, honestly,” Arteta said of Havertz.

“Everything he did: the timings, the movements, how he keeps the ball, the way he goes to the press, how he links play, his understanding of the game. He was unbelievable today.”