Mikel Arteta is brimming with enthusiasm as he looks to continue the evolution of Arsenal following their recent Premier League triumph, declaring his ambition to turn the North London side into "the best club in the world." The Gunners lifted the league trophy last season for the first time in 22 years, and they have already begun reinforcing the squad to protect that honor, securing high‑profile signings such as Christian Tzolis and Bruno Guimarães. Arteta insists that the club will keep pursuing top‑tier talent in order to elevate Arsenal to the summit of world football. "The ambition of the club and its owners is undeniably to become the best club on the planet," he told Sky Sports during a Premier League launch event ahead of the Friday night opening match against Coventry City. "To achieve that, you need world‑class facilities, a world‑class stadium, world‑class supporters, and, above all, a world‑class squad with the best players on the planet." Those ingredients, he explained, are what separate champions from pretenders.
"Those are the elements that win matches and decide games when it matters most. That's the blueprint we are building with the players we have now and the players we intend to sign," Arteta added. Arsenal entered the new campaign as the clear favourites to retain their title, a status reinforced by a comfortable 3‑0 victory over Manchester City in the Community Shield.
Despite the lofty expectations, Arteta said he feels at ease with the club’s position as front‑runners. "I think that's part of the business, and that's fine," he remarked. "What matters to me is looking into my players' eyes and seeing that fire, that desire, that drive to improve every single day. That's the only thing that truly counts." Historically, defending the top‑flight crown has been a rare feat for Arsenal; the last successful defence came in the 1990s.
Arteta recognises the weight of that history and is determined to break the pattern. "We are fully aware of what it will take to deliver that," he said.
"I feel the ambition, the desire, the ability, and the conviction within the squad that we can achieve it." Club chief executive Richard Garlick echoed the same sentiment, stating that Arsenal are targeting players who will "change the dial" for the team. While a move for Real Madrid star Vinícius Júnior fell through after the Brazilian signed a new contract with his current club, Arsenal have expressed interest in Atletico Madrid forward Julián Álvarez and have also been linked with other elite attackers such as Victor Osimhen. Garlick explained the club’s recruitment philosophy: "In the past we looked for players who helped us reach a certain level, but now we are competing at the very top and need signings that will elevate us further.
That could be younger talent we develop alongside some of the world’s best players. If we can blend academy graduates with top‑class signings, we have every chance of sustaining our success and surpassing what we have already achieved." To date, Arsenal have invested £143.5 million in four summer acquisitions, including the permanent signing of defender Piero Hincapié. When asked whether additional funds remain available, Garlick confirmed the club’s willingness to act: "We said at the start of the season that we are not going to stand still and pat ourselves on the back. The best clubs are always moving forward.
We have already invested in the squad, and if the right opportunity arises we will look to strengthen across the board." He added that the transfer market is now more selective: "The bar has been set – winning the Premier League and reaching a Champions League final. We are fishing in a smaller pool of high‑quality players, which makes it challenging to land those who can drive Arsenal forward. But if a suitable chance presents itself, we will explore it." The Gunners’ dominant Community Shield performance underscored why many view them as the favourites to retain the Premier League crown, yet Arteta is still keen to fine‑tune his title‑winning roster.
The club is reportedly scouting for a forward and a defender to bolster depth. With centre‑back William Saliba still sidelined for an extended period, Arsenal have opened talks with England internationals Ezri Konsa and Jarell Quansah, both capable of playing at centre‑back or right‑back.
However, negotiations are expected to be complex – Aston Villa reportedly demand £60 million for Konsa, while Bayer Leverkusen are reluctant to part with Quansah. On the attacking front, Arsenal remain determined to secure a marquee striker after Vinícius Júnior chose to stay at Real Madrid. Julián Álvarez is a leading target, and there have also been whispers linking the club with Victor Osimhen. Earlier in the window, Arsenal pursued a left‑winger, but they will stay alert to any long‑term opportunities that could enhance their attack in the final days of the transfer period.
Christian Tzolis, who joined on loan before making his move permanent, has exceeded expectations with his performances, impressing both Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta. Their progress suggests that Arsenal may have already addressed the left‑wing position adequately.
Financial sustainability is another priority for the club. Arsenal are reportedly open to offers for Gabriel Martinelli, Ethan Nwaneri and Gabriel Jesus, while the future of Myles Lewis‑Skelly remains uncertain. The arrival of Bruno Guimarães has opened the possibility of either Lewis‑Skelly or Martin Zubimendi departing.
Any deal for Zubimendi would likely need to recoup the £51 million spent on him last summer, whereas moving Lewis‑Skelly could generate pure profit. In summary, Arteta’s vision for Arsenal is clear: build a world‑class infrastructure, attract elite talent, and nurture home‑grown players to create a squad capable of dominating domestically and on the European stage.
The club’s recent investments, strategic transfer targets, and unwavering ambition suggest they are well‑positioned to chase the lofty goal of becoming the best club in the world, while also striving to rewrite history by defending their Premier League title for the first time in over three decades.