Former Arsenal goalkeeper Manuel Almunia has backed Mikel Arteta to transform the Gunners into a side capable of challenging for the Premier League title.

Arteta has endured a mixed start to life in the Emirates dugout since replacing Unai Emery, winning eight, drawing six and losing two of his first 16 games in charge.

Nevertheless, Almunia, who made 175 appearances for Arsenal between 2004 and 2012, believes that Arteta is the right man to lead his former side back to the top of English football.

Speaking to Marca, Almunia said: "With Arsenal, as the big club that they are, it's a shame to see them like this. For the history, infrastructure, British and global fans and the attraction in general, they should be in the Champions League and higher up in the league.

"Sooner or later, they'll be among the best again and I'm sure Mikel will help with that. He was a player not long ago.

"He's shared the dressing room with some of the players he coaches now and he knows what modern football is like and he'll know what the best thing for them is. He has to be given time.

"With trophies, I imagine it's a question of eras and a big title can break the ice. From there, the players will believe that they can win more and that's momentum."

Arsenal currently lie ninth in the Premier League table amid the coronavirus postponement, eight points off the Champions League places.