Mikel Arteta is brimming with enthusiasm as he looks to further develop Arsenal after their recent Premier League triumph, insisting that the club’s ultimate aim is to become "the best club in the world." The Gunners celebrated their first league title in 22 years last season, and they have already taken steps to reinforce the squad for a successful defence, adding high‑profile signings such as Christian Tzolis and Bruno Guimarães. Arteta emphasized that Arsenal will continue to chase top‑tier talent in order to lift the club to the very summit of world football.
"It is certainly the ambition of the club and the owners to be the best club in the world," he told Sky Sports during a Premier League launch event ahead of the Friday night fixture against Coventry. "To achieve that you need the best facilities, the best stadium, the best supporters, and, above all, the best squad and the best players on the planet." He went on to explain that those ingredients are what separate champions from the rest. "Those are the ones that win you football matches and that can be decisive when it matters.
That's what we try to build with the players we already have and with the players we want to sign to make a difference for Arsenal." Arsenal enter the 2026/27 campaign as outright favourites to retain their title, a status reinforced by a comfortable 3‑0 victory over Manchester City in the Community Shield. Despite the pressure of being the team to beat, Arteta remains calm about the club’s position at the top of the table. "I think this is part of our industry, and that's OK," he said.
"For me, when I look into the eyes of my players I see that fire, that desire and the will to be better every single day. That's the only thing that I care about." Historically, defending a top‑flight crown has been a rare achievement for Arsenal – the last time they managed it was back in the 1990s. Arteta is keen to break that pattern. "That's an opportunity that we have ahead, and we are very conscious of what it's going to take to deliver that," he noted.
"But I feel the ambition, I feel the desire, and I feel the ability and the conviction around the team that we can do it." Club chief executive Richard Garlick echoed the manager’s vision, stating that the club is looking for players who will "change the dial" and push Arsenal further forward. While a move for Vinícius Júnior fell through after the Brazilian signed a new contract with Real Madrid, Arsenal have turned their attention to Atletico Madrid forward Julián Álvarez and have also been linked with Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen. Garlick explained, "In the past we've looked at players that maybe helped build out the squad or get us to a certain level, but now we're competing right at the top level, and we do need to bring in players that are going to change the dial." The summer window saw Arsenal spend £143.5 million on four signings, including the permanent acquisition of defender Piero Hincapié. When asked whether additional funds remain available, Garlick confirmed that the club is not content to rest on its laurels.
"We said at the start of this season that we are not going to stand still and pat ourselves on the back and say, 'Well done, job done, nothing else to do'. We want to move forward – the best clubs are always moving forward," he said. "If the right opportunity arises, we will look to strengthen in all areas." The bar has been set high: winning the Premier League and reaching a Champions League final are now the minimum expectations.
This reality narrows the pool of available talent, making it more challenging to secure the kind of signings that can propel Arsenal onward. Nonetheless, Garlick assured supporters that the club will explore any viable options that arise before the transfer window closes.
In terms of specific needs, Arsenal are keen to add a forward and a defender. The prolonged absence of William Saliba has prompted the club to explore potential deals for England internationals Ezri Konsa and Jarell Quansah, both of whom can operate as centre‑backs or right‑backs. However, negotiations are likely to be complex – Aston Villa are demanding around £60 million for Konsa, while Bayer Leverkusen are not currently prepared to part with Quansah.
On the attacking front, Arsenal have yet to secure a marquee striker after Vinícius Júnior chose to remain at Real Madrid. Interest remains in Julián Álvarez, and there are also rumors linking the Gunners with Victor Osimhen.
Earlier in the window, the club pursued a left‑winger, but the surprise form of summer signing Christos Tzolis has alleviated some of that pressure, giving Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta confidence that the left‑wing position is well covered. Financial sustainability is also a priority.
Arsenal are reportedly willing to consider 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 moving on.
Any deal for Zubimendi would likely need to recoup the £51 million Arsenal paid for him last summer, whereas a sale of Lewis‑Skelly would represent pure profit. Overall, Arteta’s message is clear: the club will continue to invest in world‑class facilities, nurture a passionate fan base, and, most importantly, assemble a squad capable of competing at the highest level. With a blend of proven talent, emerging academy prospects, and strategic signings, Arsenal aim not only to defend their domestic crown but also to cement their status as a global football powerhouse.