Kyle Bartley ready to challenge for Arsenal place after Rangers loan spell

Kyle Bartley, Arsenal (Getty Images)

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Kyle Bartley says he is now ready to challenge for a place in the Arsenal first team after his loan spell at Rangers last season.

The centre-back, who can also play in midfield, admits he did not feel he was ready to play for Arsene Wenger’s men at the beginning of last season, but is now keen to stake his claim for a spot in the Gunners’ side after winning the league with Rangers.
 
“If I’m honest, I don’t think I was anywhere near the level to play for Arsenal last season,” he told the club’s official website. “But I’ve come back, I feel really strong and I feel that I am ready now.

“I learned the demands of being at a top football club who are trying to win things and how important it is to be a champion and a winner. Every time you step on the pitch, you are going out there to win so there is a lot of pressure on you.

“I think I can offer something else because I am a little bit different to the other centre-backs. I like the physical side of the game and I see myself as a leader. If Arsene decides that he wants me in the first team then that will be fantastic.”

Bartley has now recovered from the medial knee ligament injury he sustained in March, and is targeting a place in the Arsenal squad when they travel to Germany.

He added: “I spoke to the boss on the Friday before they left for Asia and he told me that they had four centre backs going on the tour and obviously I wasn’t fully over my injury yet. It’s just one of those things.

“It was always the aim to get back for the start of pre-season because it’s an important time of the year. I will be back with them on Tuesday when they are back in training with a view to going to Germany with them.

“He has said he doesn’t want me going on loan yet and he hasn’t made his mind up. My hopes are the same as every year, to be an Arsenal first-team player. Hopefully, this year, that will happen.”

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