6 players Mikel Arteta improved at Arsenal: Martinelli, Xhaka, Saka…

Under Mikel Arteta, Arsenal will resume their Premier League season five points clear of the chasing pack as their manager works wonders at the Emirates.

In particular, Arteta has improved many players who were at the club before his arrival, turning them into real title contenders.

He has also been smart in his recruitment, bringing in young players who can match the age profile of the rest of the team and who will blend on the pitch with the squad already put together by the Spanish manager.

The young middle age means Arteta has a huge influence on the team, helping his young gunners develop into the system and style of football he wants to play.

As a reward for his work, the manager received a new contract at the club which is considered by many to be long overdue.

"It's great to be where we are, we're enjoying this moment," Arteta explained after their 2-0 win over Wolves in November. "We have a big break, we have to think about what we are doing and we are very well prepared for what will follow after the World Cup.

"When a team is at the time you want to keep playing. It's not possible, so we have to use the time now in the best way possible."

Here are six players who have already improved under Arteta.

Xhaka Granite

The Swiss midfielder has completely changed his fortunes at Arsenal since Arteta joined the club.

It's a turnaround between the man who stormed off the pitch and the Gunners' boos at the Emirates a few years ago.

"I was done with Arsenal. Done. There was a contract on the table from another club and all I had to do was sign. I had spoken with my wife, Leonita, and we had decided to leave,” he told the Players Tribune earlier this year.

"Our suitcases were literally put by the door. But then Mikel started talking about how I was a big part of his plans. I loved his warmth. He was honest, straight forward. Clear plans I felt like I could trust him.

"I understand that we [he and the Arsenal fans] will never be best friends, but I hope we can treat each other with honesty and respect."

Bukayo Saka

Of course, some of them have come with age. But Arteta helped transform Saka from an intriguing debutant into a proper Arsenal star boy.

His stats have improved year on year under Arteta and he is now on course for his best season yet.

Oh, and add to that the fact that he's now also a World Cup star in England. Mr. Arsenal is just getting started.

Emile Smith-Rowe

It was a bold move when Arteta handed Smith-Rowe the No.10 shirt ahead of the 2021-22 season, but the Spanish manager was sure of the striker's ability.

Almost a year later, Smith-Rowe has repaid that trust and continued his progression as a serious prospect in the Gunners first team this season.

Injuries have hampered his development somewhat lately, but there's no doubting how much he's improved under Arteta. Things only go one way, not down.

Aaron Ramsdale

Many people turned their backs on this signing in the summer of 2021. After all, the goalkeeper suffered back-to-back relegations with Bournemouth and Sheffield United.

The 24-year-old was able to replace Bernd Leno in his first season and he hasn't looked back since.

The England goalkeeper is now one of the best stoppers in the league and he is capable of spectacularity.

Martin Odegaard

When he first came into the public consciousness, Odegaard was declared "the Norwegian Messi".

Now, under Arteta, he has broken free of those labels and made a name for himself in his North London home.

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