Arsenal latest as Mikel Arteta warned about the sack and ex-transfer chief gets 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 demonstrated their prowess in their triumph over Nottingham Forest last Saturday, boasting one of the best defensive records in the competition, yet a significant challenge lies ahead.

Arteta has achieved three consecutive second-place finishes in the Premier League, firmly re-establishing Arsenal among the domestic elite. Questions are starting to surface about how long he can continue without securing a major trophy, although many supporters are simply relieved to have moved past the challenging years preceding his tenure. Arteta's accomplishments were under the spotlight prior to the Bilbao trip, and that's one of Express Sport's major talking points in the latest headlines.

Arteta warning about potential dismissal

Former Premier League forward Stan Collymore has issued a stark warning to Arteta, advising another trophyless season could see him sacked. Despite leading the Gunners to FA Cup glory 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 in an interview with 10Bet Casino , arguing the substantial investment made by the club necessitates a trophy. "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 back in business

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, acting as an interim between Edu and Andrea Berta, and played a significant role 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," he said. "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's Zubimendi verdict

David Raya has been singing the praises of his club and international team-mate Martin Zubimendi. The summer signing scored his first two goals for the Gunners against Forest, smashing home a volley from the edge of the box and following it up with a late header.

"He's incredible," Raya told the club media about his compatriot. "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."