Former Arsenal defender Philippe Senderos has hailed the transformation of Arsenal under manager Mikel Arteta.

Reflecting on the “real culture” instilled by Arteta, Senderos acknowledged the club’s return to prestige and the successful retention and recruitment of key players.

  • Philippe Senderos, who spent seven years at Arsenal, acknowledges the massive improvement under Mikel Arteta, appreciating the “real culture” he has reintroduced at the club.
  • Notable player commitments include the retention of talents like Bukayo Saka and William Saliba and the successful recruitment of Declan Rice.
  • Senderos emphasises Arteta’s ability to create an environment for the players to perform, potentially leading Arsenal to a successful season and a shot at the Premier League title.

A return to prestige

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 06: Martin Odegaard of Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal hold the FA Community Shield following The FA Community Shield match between Manchester City against Arsenal at Wembley Stadium on August 06, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 06: Martin Odegaard of Arsenal and Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal hold the FA Community Shield following The FA Community Shield match between Manchester City against Arsenal at Wembley Stadium on August 06, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Under Mikel Arteta’s leadership, Arsenal has undergone a remarkable transformation.

The club has reclaimed its big club status, becoming competitive once again, as Senderos noted.

With a renewed commitment to excellence, top players are being attracted to the club, including Declan Rice, who snubbed Manchester City for Arsenal.

Keeping and attracting talent

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 06: Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice of Arsenal celebrate following the team's victory in the penalty shoot out during The FA Community Shield match between Manchester City against Arsenal at Wembley Stadium on August 06, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 06: Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice of Arsenal celebrate following the team’s victory in the penalty shoot out during The FA Community Shield match between Manchester City against Arsenal at Wembley Stadium on August 06, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Arteta’s management has created an environment where quality players want to stay, demonstrated by the likes of Bukayo Saka and William Saliba extending their deals.

The confidence in the club’s direction is clear, and the recruitment process reflects the renewed prestige of the team.

The Arsenal culture is back

LONDON - JANUARY 31: Philippe Senderos of Arsenal wears a bandage following a head injury during the Carling Cup Semi Final Second Leg match between Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates Stadium on January 31, 2007 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
LONDON – JANUARY 31: Philippe Senderos of Arsenal wears a bandage following a head injury during the Carling Cup Semi Final Second Leg match between Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur at the Emirates Stadium on January 31, 2007 in London, England. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)

Senderos praised Arteta’s work in his interview on talkSPORT, stating: “With the way that Mikel Arteta manages, you can see that the players do what he wants them to do. They have found that swag again, that type of Arsenal style that we want to see, and we have seen that in the last year. There is a real culture that he has brought back to the club.”

He further elaborated on the vibrant environment Arteta is creating, adding, “He is not only signing the best players; he is also creating an environment for them to perform. So, I think the Arsenal culture has come back, and this is the foundation. Then you bring in the players, they buy into it, and then hopefully you get the results.”

High hopes for the upcoming season

With a big season ahead for Arsenal, many hope that players like Martin Odegaard will crown Arteta’s brilliant job at the Emirates with the Premier League title.

The cohesive and ambitious environment Arteta has cultivated may lead to significant success on the pitch, with the club’s heritage and traditions firmly re-established.