Arsenal are currently in pole position to win the Premier League, but Mikel Arteta is looking to do whatever he can to ensure their lead at the top does not slip
Daniel Orme Football Writer and Patrick Austen-Hardy Senior Sports Journalist
11:48, 11 Jan 2026
Mikel Arteta clapping
View 3 Images
Mikel Arteta is getting plenty of advice as he aims to win the Premier League title(Image: Getty Images)
Mikel Arteta is looking to bolster Arsenal's Premier League title charge by bringing in former Liverpool coach Thomas Gronnemark.
The Gunners are currently perched atop the league table, six points clear of their closest competitors, Manchester City. However, Arteta is still seeking ways to fortify his squad for the latter half of the season, looking for any marginal gains he can find.
Gronnemark, a former footballer himself, is globally recognised as a throw-in specialist, holding the record for the world's longest throw. The 50-year-old has shared his unique skills with several clubs, including Brentford, Borussia Dortmund, Ajax, FC Midtjylland, Union Saint-Gilloise and JEF United in Japan.
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
Content Image
£49
£35
Sky
Get the deal here
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle for the 2025/26 season, saving members £336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games this season, an increase of up to 100 more.
According to The Times, Arsenal have sought Gronnemark's counsel on set pieces. In 2018, he was snapped up by Klopp and his expertise played a part in Liverpool's Premier League triumph under the German manager.
Recalling his surprise move to Anfield, Gronnemark said: "I was totally in shock when Jurgen called me. I was visiting a chocolate shop with my family.
"I saw the +44 and thought it was an English guy trying to sell me pens. I listened to the voicemail and it was a message from Jurgen. I tried to call him back, but he didn't pick up.
"My heart was just pounding... I took the call on my way home in the car, where I drove directly into a grass field when he called.
Thomas Gronnemark
View 3 Images
Thomas Gronnemark was key for Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)
"He told me that he was sitting in a beach chair, reading the German newspaper Bild while on vacation in Tenerife, and he came across an article about me... he had never heard of a throw-in coach before."
Arteta may be banking on Gronnemark's unique skills to bolster an area they've already made their own. The Gunners have scored 14 goals from dead-ball situations this season - more than any other team.
Nicolas Jover, the set-piece maestro at Arsenal, has been instrumental in this success. When asked about his strategy with set-pieces, Arteta revealed it's the culmination of a decade-long effort.
Mikel Arteta, Head Coach of Arsenal reacts to Myles Lewis-Skelly of Arsenal taking a throwin during the Carabao Cup Quarter Final match between Arsenal and Crystal Palace at Emirates Stadium on December 23, 2025 in London, England
View 3 Images
Arteta wants Arsenal to be strong on throw-ins as well(Image: 2025 Getty Images)
Arteta, reflecting on when he realised the importance of corners and free-kicks, responded: "Ten years ago. I wasn't here, but 10 years ago.
"I said 'It is a massive thing to do that' and I started to have a vision, try to implement a method and try to be surrounded by the best people to deliver that."
Article continues below
Arsenal face Chelsea in the first-leg of the League Cup semi-final at Stamford Bridge, before travelling to Nottingham Forest the following weekend.
Don't miss a thing with football updates!
Want to be on the ball with all of the latest football news? Well then sign up for the brilliant Daily Star Football email newsletter!
From the latest transfer news to breaking stories, get it all in your email inbox.
How do you sign up?
It only takes a matter of seconds.
Simply click on this link, then provide your email address and that's it, job done. You'll receive an email with all of the top football stories.
You can also sign up for our sport email, Off the Ball, for all the latest darts, boxing, snooker, F1 stories and more, right here