Soccer-Arteta would have taken current Arsenal position at beginning of season

FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - Premier League - Arsenal v AFC Bournemouth - Emirates Stadium, London, Britain - May 4, 2024 Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta celebrates after the match REUTERS/Dylan Martinez

LONDON (Reuters) - With two games remaining in their quest for a first Premier League title in 20 years, Arsenal are embroiled in a neck-and-neck battle with holders Manchester City -- and it's a position manager Mikel Arteta said he would gladly have taken when the season kicked off.

"I would have taken the pen and I would have signed," Arteta told reporters on Friday.