Mikel Arteta is brimming with enthusiasm as he looks to continue the development of Arsenal following their recent Premier League triumph, declaring that the ultimate aim is to transform the Gunners into "the best club in the world." The side secured the league crown last season for the first time in 22 years, and they have already taken steps to reinforce their title defence by adding high‑profile signings such as Christian Tzolis and Bruno Guimarães. Arteta insists that Arsenal will keep pursuing top‑class talent to push the club to the very summit of the sport. "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 opening match against Coventry City. "To achieve that you need the finest facilities, the greatest stadium, the most passionate supporters, and, above all, the best squad and the best players on the planet.
Those are the ingredients that win matches and make the difference when the stakes are highest. That's exactly what we are trying to build with the players we have now and with the players we intend to bring in to elevate Arsenal." Arsenal entered the 2026/27 campaign as clear favourites to retain the title, a status reinforced by their comfortable 3‑0 victory over Manchester City in the Community Shield. Despite the lofty expectations, Arteta appears unfazed.
"I think this is part of our industry, and that's OK," he said. "When I look into the eyes of my players I see the fire, the desire and the will to improve every single day. That's the only thing that matters to me." History, however, looms large. The Gunners have not successfully defended a top‑flight crown since the 1990s, and Arteta is keen to break that pattern.
"That is an opportunity we have ahead of us and we are very aware of what it will take to deliver it," he explained. "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 targeting players who will "change the dial" for the team.
While a move for Vinícius Júnior fell through after the Brazilian signed a new contract with Real Madrid, Arsenal have shown interest in Atletico Madrid striker Julián Álvarez and have also been linked with Victor Osimhen. Garlick added, "In the past we signed players who helped us reach a certain level, but now we are competing at the very top and we need signings that will take us further. That could be younger talents who develop over time, combined with world‑class stars, giving us every chance to sustain and exceed our recent success." The club has already invested £143.5 million in four summer acquisitions, including the permanent signing of defender Piero Hincapié.
When asked whether additional funds remain available, Garlick replied, "We said at the start of the season we would not stand still and pat ourselves on the back. The best clubs are always moving forward.
We've already invested in the squad and, if the right opportunity arises, we will look to strengthen in all areas. The window is open for a few more weeks, and if players emerge who can move Arsenal forward, we will act. The bar is now higher – we have the Premier League title and a Champions League final to live up to – so the pool of quality players is smaller and it becomes trickier to land those game‑changing signings.
But we will explore any suitable opportunity." Looking ahead, Arsenal are keen to add depth in attack and defence. The prolonged absence of William Saliba has prompted talks about England internationals Ezri Konsa and Jarell Quansah, both capable of playing centre‑back or right‑back. However, negotiations could be complex: Aston Villa reportedly demand £60 million for Konsa, while Bayer Leverkusen are reluctant to sell Quansah. On the offensive side, Arsenal still seek a marquee forward after Vinícius Junior chose to remain at Real Madrid.
Julián Álvarez remains a top target, and there are rumours linking the club with Victor Osimhen as well. Early in the window the Gunners aimed to sign a left‑winger, but they remain open to any long‑term options that could improve the attack as the deadline approaches.
Christian Tzolis, a summer signing, has already impressed many, including Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta, with performances that suggest Arsenal have adequately addressed the left‑wing role. Meanwhile, the club is also looking to generate revenue through player sales to enhance financial sustainability. Reports indicate Arsenal are willing to consider offers for Gabriel Martinelli, Ethan Nwaneri and Gabriel Jesus, while the future of Myles Lewis‑Skelly remains uncertain.
Bruno Guimarães' arrival has sparked speculation about possible departures, with Lewis‑Skelly or Martin Zubimendi potentially on the move. 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.
In summary, Arteta and the Arsenal hierarchy are committed to building a club that not only defends its recent achievements but also sets new standards in English and European football. By combining emerging academy talents with strategic, high‑impact signings, they aim to create a squad capable of winning domestic titles, competing for the Champions League, and ultimately fulfilling the ambition of being recognised as the best football club in the world.