Mikel Arteta warns Arne Slot about the challenge he faces at Liverpool

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has welcomed new Liverpool boss Arne Slot to the Premier League, but hinted at the challenge that lays ahead of the Dutchman filling the "unprecedented" shoes of Anfield predecessor Jurgen Klopp.

Earning the job off the back of his record with Feyenoord, Slot was the man chosen to replace Klopp following Liverpool’s most concentrated period of success since the 1980s.

"I don't know [if Slot will change anything]," Arteta told ESPN.

"That's a question for him and the people that have decided to come here. Welcome to the Premier League. I think he is an exceptional coach.

"Obviously it is a bit sad to see Jurgen leave because what he has brought to the league, I think, is something unprecedented with his charisma, his way of playing and the moments he has created."

Whether Liverpool have it in them in Slot's first season in charge to close the gap that has opened up to Manchester City since 2022 remains to be seen. But Arsenal are firmly expected to be in the running once more come the business end of 2024/25.

The Gunners finished with 89 points in the Premier League last season, which would have been enough to win the title in many other campaigns – including 2022/23 on goal difference.

Pep Guardiola's City, where Arteta was on the coaching staff for several years, have set a new standard in English football that has the Arsenal boss targeting perfection moving forward.

"One-hundred-and-fourteen [the maximum points available] wins it and then you start from there," he explained. "You know that the margins are really, really small and tight and the competition is going to be even harder than the previous season. You go game-by-game, earn the right to win every game, that's all we can think of, and try to improve our players. And make them believe they can do it because now they are good enough to do it."

READ THE LATEST PREMIER LEAGUE NEWS, RUMOURS & GOSSIP