Mikel Arteta is brimming with enthusiasm as he looks to extend Arsenal's recent triumph in the Premier League, declaring his ambition to turn the North London side into "the best club in the world." The Gunners captured the league crown last season, ending a 22‑year wait, and have already taken steps to reinforce the squad for a successful defence. High‑profile arrivals such as Christian Tzolis and Bruno Guimarães have already bolstered the team, and Arteta insists that the club will continue to chase top‑tier talent to push Arsenal to the summit of world football. Speaking to Sky Sports at a Premier League launch event ahead of the Friday night clash with Coventry City, Arteta explained that the aspiration to be the world’s premier club is shared by both the ownership and the coaching staff. "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 said.
He added that those elements are the ones that decide matches, especially in critical moments, and that Arsenal are building a team around the players they already have while also targeting new signings that can make a decisive difference. Arsenal enter the 2026/27 campaign as clear 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 front‑runners, Arteta appears relaxed about the expectations.
"I think this is part of our industry, and that's OK," he remarked. "When I look into the eyes of my players I see fire, desire and a constant will to improve every day.
That's the only thing that matters to me." Historically, defending the top‑flight crown has proved difficult for Arsenal; the club has not successfully retained the league since the 1990s. Arteta acknowledges the challenge but remains confident.
"We are aware of what it will take," 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, saying 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 expressed interest in Atlético Madrid striker Julián Álvarez and have also been linked with Napoli’s Victor Osimhen.
Garlick explained that the club now seeks individuals who can lift the side to the very top, whether they are emerging talents from the academy or established world‑class stars. Financially, Arsenal have already invested £143.5 million in four summer signings, including the permanent signing of defender Piero Hincapié.
When asked whether additional funds remain available, Garlick answered affirmatively, noting that the club will not rest on its laurels. "The best clubs are always moving forward," he said. "We have already spent this window, but if the right opportunity arises we will act. The bar is now set high – winning the Premier League and reaching a Champions League final – so we are fishing in a smaller pool of quality players, which makes it trickier to land those who can truly drive us forward." In terms of squad reinforcement, Arsenal are still hunting for a forward and a defender.
The defensive department has been a particular focus after William Saliba’s prolonged injury spell, prompting talks about England internationals Ezri Konsa and Jarell Quansah. Both players can operate as centre‑backs or right‑backs, but 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 have yet to secure a marquee striker following Vinícius Júnior’s decision to stay at Real Madrid. Interest remains in Julián Álvarez, and there have also been rumours linking the club with Victor Osimhen.
Early in the window Arsenal targeted a left‑winger, but they remain open to any long‑term options that could enhance the attack in the closing days of the transfer period. The arrival of Christos Tzolis has already surprised many, including Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta, with his performance levels suggesting that the left‑wing position may be adequately covered.
Meanwhile, the club is also looking to generate revenue through player sales to improve financial sustainability. Reports indicate that Arsenal are willing to entertain offers for Gabriel Martinelli, Ethan Nwaneri and Gabriel Jesus, while the future of Myles Lewis‑Skelly remains uncertain. Bruno Guimarães’s signing has opened the possibility of either Lewis‑Skelly or Martín Zubimendi moving on. Any deal for Zubimendi would likely need to recoup the £51 million Arsenal spent on him last summer, whereas Lewis‑Skelly could be sold for a profit.
Overall, Arteta’s message is clear: Arsenal will continue to chase excellence on and off the pitch, investing in world‑class facilities, a passionate fan base, and a squad capable of competing at the highest level. The club’s ambition to become the best in the world is not just a slogan but a concrete plan that will shape transfer strategies, financial policies and on‑field tactics throughout the season and beyond.