Real Betis expose Arsenal’s need for more transfer reinforcements in Dublin

Mikel Arteta was left frustrated as Arsenal suffered a 3-1 friendly defeat by Real Betis at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin, providing an early warning that his current squad may not be strong enough to challenge for another major trophy.

The match was Arsenal’s first serious pre-season test against opposition competing at Champions League level, and they struggled to make an impact before being beaten by the Spanish side.

According to The Sun, Arteta’s reaction on the touchline suggested he knows Arsenal will find it difficult to win another title with the squad as it stands. The performance also highlighted the limitations of players such as Reiss Nelson and Fabio Vieira, potentially increasing the pressure on the manager to bring in further talent before the summer transfer window closes.

Arsenal’s earlier pre-season fixtures had offered little indication of how they would cope against a stronger opponent. Their behind-closed-doors meeting with MK Dons was effectively a training exercise, while Saturday’s 4-1 victory over Girona came against a second-tier side.

Real Betis represented a considerably tougher challenge, but the Gunners failed to rise to the occasion.

There were mitigating circumstances for Arteta, with a number of key players still absent after their involvement at the World Cup, including Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice. William Saliba was also unavailable because of injury.

Even so, the result will strengthen the argument that Arsenal need further additions if they are to compete at the highest level during the new campaign.

The expected arrival of Bruno Guimaraes in a deal worth £75m would provide a significant boost to Arteta’s midfield and is viewed as the kind of signing that could raise the team’s quality. However, the report says substantial work remains to be done.

Arsenal’s ambitious attempt to sign Vinicius Junior could also be complicated by reports that Real Madrid have offered the Brazilian a more lucrative contract.

At the other end of the pitch, Kepa Arrizabalaga endured a difficult evening and was at least partly responsible for two of Real Betis’ goals. He misjudged a corner for the opener, leaving Riquelme unmarked at the far post to finish easily.

The Spanish goalkeeper was involved again for the second goal after a poor clearance gave possession back to Real Betis. Nelson Deossa took advantage, sending a spectacular long-range effort into the top corner.

Arsenal briefly reduced the deficit when Christos Tzolis delivered an excellent corner which Piero Hincapie headed into the net. It offered a glimpse of encouragement for the season ahead, but the visitors’ problems soon returned.

Another individual error allowed Real Betis to restore their two-goal advantage before half-time. This time, an inaccurate pass from Kai Havertz handed the ball back to the Spanish side, and Pablo Fornals finished the move by scoring against Kepa.

Wholesale substitutions disrupted the rhythm after the interval, and Arsenal were unable to produce a response as they slipped to a 3-1 defeat.

The result remains only a pre-season setback, with several established players still to return. But it also served as a clear reminder that Arteta may need to add more proven stars if Arsenal are to mount a serious challenge for honours this season.