MIKEL ARTETA has already been backed heavily by his board this summer despite falling at the final Champions League hurdle last term.

And now the Spaniard has also been shown considerable support by Arsenal’s fans.

Eighty Gooners took part in Sky Bet’s Fan Hope Survey, asking a range of questions about English football.

When quizzed on whether they still trusted the Arteta process, three years into his tenure, a resounding 80 per cent answered ‘Yes’.

It is a ringing endorsement for the former Gunners captain, whose spell in charge has had its fair share of highs and lows.

Arteta kicked off his reign with an FA Cup triumph and has brought through a number of youngsters including Emile Smith Rowe, Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka.

But the way they surrendered their place in the top four to Tottenham right at the end of last season means that for some outside the club, the jury is still out on Pep Guardiola’s old No2.

Not inside Arsenal though it seems, with both the board and the fanbase seemingly confident his approach will pay off.

A key factor will be scoring more goals, after the freebie exits of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette in 2022.

Eddie Nketiah has signed a new contract but what supporters wanted most was a new frontman.

A whopping 71 per cent of Gunners fans voted striker as the key position that needed strengthening this summer.

Their prayers have been answered by Jesus - Gabriel Jesus, to be exact, who has arrived from Manchester City for £45million.

The Brazilian only reached double figures in the Premier League twice during his six seasons at City, although he was often used out wide or as an impact sub by Guardiola.

Still, Gooners have high hopes for the 25-year-old who was even touted as a possible Golden-Boot winner this season by three per cent of the 1500 top-flight fans surveyed.

The status of seeing Arsenal back in the top four for the first time in seven years clearly is important to Gunners too.

As 59 per cent opted they would prefer to finish in the first four spots in the division than win the Europa League.

That is despite both routes qualifying them for the Champions League and the latter also scooping them a trophy.