Mikel Arteta has said he wants to change Arsenal’s European fortunes and finally lead them to a Champions League title, with their semi-final last season providing the proof they are good enough and the pain that could push them a step further.
Defeat against the eventual winners Paris Saint-Germain was Arsenal’s third semi-final and the coach insisted that, while they have to “start from scratch” against Athletic Bilbao at San Mamés, lessons had been learned. That was addressed with the £250m spent on strengthening the squad this summer; now the test comes on the pitch as they embark on their 23rd season in the competition.
