Mikel Arteta has been told it's the title or bust this season by Robert Pires, who believes that Arsenal will 'definitely' look for a new head coach if they don't win the Premier League this time around.

Arteta has re-established Arsenal as genuine title contenders since taking charge at The Emirates in late 2019, with the Gunners finishing second in the league for the last three years. The north London club's wait for a title has now spanned beyond 20 years, though, with fans desperate to see their club win the Premier Leaguefor the first time since the 2003-04 campaign.

Arsenal spent in excess of £250million this summer in a bid to finally beat the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City to the domestic crown. And while Pires, a former Arsenal Invincible, believes Arteta has the squad to do just that, he's warned the Spaniard that failing to do so will almost certainly result in him being replaced next year.

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"In my opinion, if Arsenal don’t win a trophy this year, the management will consider finding another coach," Pires told Foot Mercato. "He’s been there for five years and unfortunately, the title has eluded him. What’s important for the fans is the championship.

"Money was spent in the summer transfer window. He made certain demands, which were met by the Arsenal board. If Arsenal don’t win the championship, I think there will definitely be a change on the bench.

"It’s not going to be easy because you have Liverpool, you have Man City who are there, Chelsea won’t be far behind. But I think Arsenal holds the cards and have the players to win the title."

Arsenal have ground to make up on the reigning Premier League champions, Liverpool, after the first five games of the new season but did cut their lead at the summit to just two points after coming from behind to beat Newcastle on Sunday.

That result, coupled with Liverpool's shock defeat to Crystal Palace 24 hours earlier, has enabled Arteta and Co to get back in touch with Arne Slot's men, who beat them back at the end of August.

Arsenal could temporarily usurp Liverpool at the top of the table on Saturday afternoon when they face West Ham before the champions travel to Chelsea later that evening.

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