Yesterday, the Football Association (FA) released the England squad chosen by Gareth Southgate for upcoming friendlies against Switzerland and the Ivory Coast.
It was good news for Arsenal, as Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe, Ben White and Aaron Ramsdale were all named in the squad.
While the announcement is obviously a positive for the Gunners quartet, it actually reflects a lot better on Mikel Arteta.
What’s the story?
Well, when the £96,153-a-week man arrived at the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal didn’t have anyone involved in the England setup.
The Spaniard took over a faltering side, with many ageing players and square pegs in round holes.
Now, the Gunners are a much more fluid outfit, and crucially, no other club had more players called up by Southgate yesterday.
Only Manchester City, with John Stones, Raheem Sterling, Phil Foden and Jack Grealish, could match the four call-ups from Arsenal.
However, the Citizens already had plenty of England internationals, whereas the Arsenal quartet were all developed by Arteta.
Mikel Arteta working wonders at Arsenal
Admittedly, it took a while for the 39-year-old to get his ideas across in north London, but he’s now working wonders at the Emirates Stadium.
What is most impressive about Arteta’s work is that it has sustainability.
Arsenal haven’t sacrificed their long-term future for immediate success, quite the opposite in fact.
The Gunners have endured a few painful years as they grow the likes of Saka and Smith Rowe into consistent Premier League performers, but now, things are finally clicking.
With Arteta at the helm, expect to see more Arsenal players involved in the England squad over the next few years.
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