Arsenal Legend Highlights Mikel Arteta’s Ruthless Approach Compared to Arsène Wenger

Arsenal great Ray Parlour has praised Mikel Arteta for his “fearless” transfer decisions, emphasizing that he is already demonstrating a level of ruthlessness that Arsène Wenger often lacked.

This commentary comes in light of the club’s recent decision to allow academy graduate Emile Smith Rowe to leave for Fulham, as the playmaker struggled to secure regular playing time under Arteta.

Smith Rowe’s departure marks a significant profit for Arsenal, drawing comparisons to Pep Guardiola’s approach at Manchester City, where players not fitting into the coach’s plans were promptly moved on.

Parlour noted that Wenger tended to show loyalty to his players, sometimes at the expense of the team’s overall development.

Parlour remarked to The Sun, “Arteta is ruthless. He has learned that from Pep. If you’re not doing your job, you’re out.

It could be argued that in my time, Arsène Wenger was too loyal and wanted continuity with the same players — but Arteta is fearless.

Managers live by decisions and he hasn’t made many bad ones.” He acknowledged Arteta’s bold choice to drop Aaron Ramsdale for David Raya, stating that the decision has since proven to be successful.

Fulham’s investment in Smith Rowe could exceed £30 million, which will provide Arsenal with additional funds to strengthen their squad.

Arteta is reportedly keen on acquiring Real Sociedad’s Mikel Merino, and this latest move aligns with the club’s vision for a more competitive team.

Parlour added, “The deal is great for both parties. Fulham are getting an excellent player, and Smith Rowe has a good opportunity to prove Arteta wrong. If he puts his head down, stays fit, works hard, and gets back into that form he showed at Arsenal, he could be pushing back into England’s squad.”

Since taking charge, Arteta has been determined to reshape the squad into serious Premier League title contenders, making tough decisions to part ways with several high-profile players from Wenger’s later years, including Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette. This decisive approach is setting a new standard at the Emirates, as the club continues to evolve under Arteta’s leadership.