Mikel Arteta is brimming with enthusiasm as he looks to extend Arsenal's recent triumph in the Premier League, pledging to transform 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 already the board and coaching staff have begun reinforcing the squad to protect that honor. Key signings such as Greek forward Christos Tzolis and Brazilian midfielder Bruno Guimarães have arrived, signalling a clear intent to upgrade the roster. During a Premier League launch event ahead of Arsenal's Friday night opener against Coventry City, Arteta told Sky Sports that the ambition to be the world’s top club is shared by the owners and the entire institution. "To achieve that you need the finest facilities, a world‑class stadium, passionate supporters, and, above all, the best players on the planet," he explained.
He added that the club is actively scouting elite talent that can make the decisive difference in crucial moments. "We are building around the players we have now, but we also have a clear idea of the profiles we want to bring in to raise Arsenal to the next level," he said.
Arsenal entered the new campaign as clear favourites to retain their title, a status reinforced by a commanding 3‑0 victory over Manchester City in the Community Shield. Yet Arteta remains grounded. "I’m comfortable with being the favourites, but the real test is what we see in the eyes of our players every day – that fire, that desire to improve," he remarked. "That’s the only thing that matters to me." Historically, defending a top‑flight crown has been a rare feat for Arsenal; the last time they successfully retained the league was in the 1990s.
Arteta is keenly aware of the weight of that history and sees it as a fresh challenge. "We know what it will take, and we have the ambition, the desire and the conviction within the squad to make it happen," he asserted. Club chief executive Richard Garlick echoed the same sentiment, stating that Arsenal are looking for players who will "change the dial" and propel the team forward. While a move for Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior fell through after the Brazilian signed a new contract, Arsenal have turned their attention to Atletico Madrid striker Julián Álvarez and have also been linked with Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen.
Garlick explained that the club now seeks individuals who can elevate Arsenal from a strong side to a dominant global force. "In the past we signed players to build a foundation, but now we need game‑changing talent. That could be a young prospect who matures with us, or an established world‑class star. Combining academy graduates with the very best in the world gives us the best chance of sustaining success and surpassing what we have already achieved." Financially, Arsenal have already invested £143.5 million in four summer acquisitions, including the permanent signing of defender Piero Hincapié.
When asked whether there is still budget for further signings, Garlick responded that the club is committed to continual improvement. "We refused to pat ourselves on the back after winning the league.
The best clubs are always moving forward. If the right opportunity arises, we will act.
The bar is now set high – we have the Premier League title and a Champions League final appearance to defend – so we are fishing in a smaller pool of elite talent, but we will explore every viable option." Looking ahead, Arsenal are keen to add depth in both attack and defence. The prolonged absence of centre‑back William Saliba has prompted discussions about possible deals for England internationals Ezri Konsa and Jarell Quansah, both capable of playing at centre‑back or right‑back. However, negotiations are expected to be challenging: Aston Villa reportedly demand around £60 million for Konsa, while Bayer Leverkusen are reluctant to let Quansah leave. On the offensive front, the club continues to search for a marquee striker after Vinícius Júnior chose to remain at Real Madrid.
Julián Álvarez remains a primary target, and there are also rumors linking Arsenal with Victor Osimhen. Earlier in the window Arsenal pursued a left‑winger, but the surprising form of summer signing Christos Tzolis – who has impressed Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta – may have lessened the urgency to sign another player for that position.
Financial sustainability is also a priority. 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 off‑loading either Lewis‑Skelly or Spanish midfielder Martín Zubimendi.
Any sale of Zubimendi would likely need to recoup the £51 million spent on him last summer, whereas letting Lewis‑Skelly go would be a pure profit. In summary, Arteta and the Arsenal hierarchy are determined to build on their historic league win by investing in top‑tier facilities, attracting world‑class talent, and nurturing home‑grown players. Their overarching aim is not merely to defend a title but to establish Arsenal as the benchmark club worldwide – a goal that will require relentless ambition, strategic signings, and the unwavering support of their fans.