Mikel Arteta is brimming with enthusiasm as he looks to further develop Arsenal after their recent Premier League triumph, 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 they have already taken decisive steps to reinforce their title defence, securing high‑profile additions such as Greek forward Christos Tzolis and Brazilian midfielder Bruno Guimarães. Arteta has made it clear that the club will continue to pursue world‑class talent in order to push Arsenal to the summit of the sport.
"The ambition of the club and the owners is to be the best club in the world," he told Sky Sports during a Premier League launch event ahead of the Friday night opener against Coventry City. "To achieve that you need the finest facilities, the biggest stadium, the most passionate supporters, and, above all, the best squad and the best players on the planet." He went on to explain that those elements are what win matches and make the difference when the stakes are highest. "That is exactly what we are trying to build with the players we already have and with the players we intend to sign," Arteta said. Arsenal enter the 2026/27 campaign as clear favourites to retain their crown, a status underlined by a comfortable 3‑0 victory over Manchester City in the Community Shield.
Yet Arteta remains modest about the label of "front‑runners." "I think that is part of the business," he remarked. "What matters to me is looking into my players' eyes and seeing that fire, that desire, that will to improve every single day. That's the only thing that truly counts." Historically, defending the top‑flight title has proved elusive for Arsenal – they have not managed to retain the league since the 1990s.
Arteta is keen to break that pattern. "We are aware of what it will take to deliver that achievement," he said. "I feel the ambition, the desire, the ability and the conviction within the squad that we can do it." Club chief executive Richard Garlick echoed the ambition, stating that Arsenal are looking for signings that will "change the dial".
While the club missed out on a move for Real Madrid's Vinícius Júnior, they have shown interest in Atletico Madrid forward Julián Álvarez and have also been linked with Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen. Garlick explained that Arsenal now need players who can lift the team from a strong position to a dominant one. "In the past we signed players to build the squad to a certain level, but now we are competing at the very top and we need individuals who will take Arsenal forward." The club has already invested £143.5 million on four summer acquisitions, including the permanent signing of defender Piero Hincapié. When asked whether additional funds remain available, Garlick responded that Arsenal will not rest on their laurels.
"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. If the right opportunity arises, we will look to strengthen in all areas." He added that the bar has been set extremely high – winning the Premier League and reaching a Champions League final are now the baseline expectations.
Consequently, Arsenal are fishing in a smaller pool of elite talent, which makes landing the right players a complex task. Nonetheless, the club remains vigilant, especially as the transfer window approaches its final weeks. In terms of specific needs, Arsenal are keen to add a quality forward and a versatile defender.
The prolonged absence of William Saliba has prompted discussions about potential signings such as England internationals Ezri Konsa and Jarell Quansah, both capable of playing at centre‑back or right‑back. However, negotiations are likely to be challenging: Aston Villa are reportedly demanding around £60 million for Konsa, while Bayer Leverkusen have shown little interest in selling Quansah.
On the attacking front, Arsenal are still searching for a statement forward after Vinícius Júnior chose to stay at Real Madrid. Julián Álvarez remains a prime target, and there are also rumours linking the Gunners with Victor Osimhen. Early in the window the club had identified a left‑winger as a priority, but the impressive form of new signing Christos Tzolis may have eased that urgency, convincing Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta that the left flank is already well covered.
Financial sustainability is also a key consideration. Arsenal are reportedly willing to entertain 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 Lewis‑Skelly could be sold at a profit. Overall, the message from Arteta and the club hierarchy is clear: Arsenal will continue to invest in world‑class facilities, a world‑class stadium, world‑class supporters and, most importantly, a world‑class squad.
Their aim is not merely to defend a title but to cement a legacy of sustained excellence, breaking historical barriers and establishing the Emirates as the home of the best football club on the planet. The upcoming season will test whether those ambitions can be translated into tangible success on and off the pitch.