Mikel Arteta warned he risks Arsenal fire sale as Pep Guardiola 'visibly upset' with star

Ex-Arsenal star Emmanuel Petit has warned his former side that they risk having to sell several stars if they do not win the Premier League this season.

The Gunners have been forced to settle for second behind Manchester City in the last two seasons, and there is clear evidence that Mikel Arteta’s side are within touching distance of the title.

However, City have proved an unstoppable force over the past five seasons and Arsenal will need to be at their very best if they are to put an end to their rivals’ incredible run of success.

But Petit feels that there is more than just success on the line for the Gunners, with the Frenchman telling BetVictor that he believes some players could look to leave the club if the 2024/25 campaign does not conclude with Arsenal lifting the Premier League trophy.

Several members of Arteta’s squad have been linked with moves away from the Emirates Stadium previously, with Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka both admired by City and defensive duo William Saliba and Gabriel having suitors elsewhere in Europe.

Petit said: “I see Arsenal growing step-by-step, but they need to add a couple more players in order to reach City’s level because their squad rotation is so good. Some of Arsenal’s big players looked physically and mentally exhausted towards the back end of last season. I don’t think City will be as strong this season. I see Arsenal getting stronger and the gap reducing.

“I think this is the season where Arsenal will win another trophy under Mikel Arteta. If Arteta wants the players to trust and follow him then he has to win something.

“You cannot convince the players that you are going to achieve more and be even more competitive every season if you never win anything. If you don’t win silverware, you can lose players. This season will be Arteta’s most important at Arsenal so far.”