“He’s taken my players too cheaply” - David Moyes talks about Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta ahead of Premier League clash

Everton manager David Moyes has said that Arsenal counterpart Mikel Arteta has signed his players too cheaply in the past. He added that the Spaniard has been doing well at the Emirates and has asked for favors during his managerial career.

Speaking to the media ahead of Everton vs Arsenal, Moyes recalled working with Arteta during the Spaniard's playing days with the Toffees. He said that the former midfielder always wanted more from his teammates and said (HaytersTV):

"He was a bit of a moaner at times, Mikel, and that's sometimes a good sign as well, you know, he wanted things done right, wanted it to be good. Wanted the team to play better, but he was a great player for us, great captain, great player, great signing really at that time, you know, and probably know obviously I've been here at a period, a different period from maybe other people who sort of say Howard's teams over the years, but Mikel was really part of one of my best teams anyway, if not the best team."

When asked if Arteta had asked Moyes for advice after becoming a manager, the Everton boss took a cheeky dig at the fee paid to sign Declan Rice from West Ham United when he was the Hammers' manager and said:

"Yeah, also for favors and you know he's taken my players too cheaply, stuff like that in the past. So, he's a good lad, Mikel and by the way, he's doing amazing. He really is doing a great job."

Mikel Arteta played 209 matches under David Moyes at Everton, scoring 35 goals and assisting as many times.

David Moyes has insisted that Arsenal should have paid for Declan Rice

Everton manager David Moyes has always insisted that Declan Rice was worth £150 million, adding that Arsenal owe him another £50 million after signing the midfielder for £105 million. He said earlier this year (via HaytersTV):

“I used to get criticised when I said that he should be £150 million. When I see Arsenal supporters, I tell them they still owe me £50 million because we only got £100 million for him. I think that he’s proven exactly what we thought he was. He was going to become a top player.”

Declan Rice has played 126 matches under Mikel Arteta at Arsenal. The Englishman played 179 times under Moyes, and won the only major silverware in his career - the UEFA Conference League at West Ham United.

Edited by Sripad