Mikel Arteta hires team of professional pickpockets to steal from Arsenal players

Yes, you read that correctly.

Mikel Arteta hired a team of professional pickpockets to steal from his Arsenal players, a breaking report has revealed from the Athletic.

Ahead of the new Premier League season, preparation is well underway with the likes of pre-season friendlies and tours in full flow.

Yesterday, the Gunners thrashed Bayer Leverkusen 4-1 at the Emirates Stadium, leaving fans excited to see what the new season is set to offer.

Narrowly losing out on the Premier League title only to the immortal champions of Manchester City last season, some believe that with valuable additions the North London outfit can finally go all the way this time under Arteta.

However, Arteta's new off-the-pitch strategy has left fans in complete disbelief.

At a dinner with his players, Arteta secretly hired a team of professional pickpockets.

Yes, you read that right.

The pickpockets were tasked with going round the tables to steal phones and wallets belonging to the players.

At the end of the meal, Arteta then stood up and asked the team to empty their pockets.

Instantly, a number of players realised that they had lost items.

The reasoning behind Arteta's strategy was to teach his squad the high importance of being ready, alert and prepared - at all times.