Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version or go back to LFC Live.net

Mikel Arteta is still dreaming of Champions League glory.(Image: Nigel French/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)

Mikel Arteta said it hurt him “big time” to watch Liverpool’s celebrations last weekend but the Arsenal manager insists seeing Arne Slot’s men seal the title will not give him any additional motivation next season.

The Gunners can take a huge step towards confirming a third consecutive second-place finish if they beat Bournemouth at the Emirates on Saturday evening.

And while they are still dreaming of Champions League glory, Arteta admits witnessing Liverpool become “deserved” champions has stung.

He observed a “little bit” of their party at Anfield on TV before turning his attention elsewhere.

And Arteta admitted: “It was in my tummy, yeah.

I understand that it's a team that is being more consistent and it has a lot of the ingredients that you need to win it, but it's very painful, yeah.

READ MORE:Mikel Arteta makes Arsenal stance on William Saliba clear amid Real Madrid interestREAD MORE:Mikel Arteta confirms unexpected Arsenal injury boost before Bournemouth and PSG

“My motivations are much more focused in other aspects than that one but it hurts to watch it, that's for sure.

“The good thing is that they had them on the pitch all the time, which is something very positive,” he added.

Article continues below

And that is something he feels Arsenal will require next season to bring a first league title in 22 years to north London.

The Gunners have had a significant list of absentees for much of the campaign and Arteta stressed: “I'm not going to give you the title, but you have a much better chance (if players are fit).”

Thomas Partey watched on from the stands on Tuesday night(Image: Stuart MacFarlane/Getty Images)

Those injuries continue to affect the squad now and Arteta was reminded of that after the 1-0 first-leg defeat to PSG when he came into the dressing room and saw seven absent stars sitting together.

If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.

Sky Sports' discounted Premier League and EFL package

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it.

Learn more

£43

£35

Sky

Get the deal here

Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle in an unbeatable new deal that saves £192 and includes more than 1,000 live matches each season across the Premier League, EFL and more.


For more news relating to Arsenal, visit our sister site AFC Latest Live.