Mikel Arteta is brimming with enthusiasm as he looks to extend Arsenal's recent triumph in the Premier League, declaring his ambition 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 the club has already taken decisive steps to reinforce the squad for a successful defence, securing high‑profile signings such as Christian Tzolis and Bruno Guimarães. Arteta insists that the club will continue to chase top‑tier talent in order to push Arsenal to the summit of world football. "The ambition of the club and its owners is undeniably to be the best club on the planet," he told Sky Sports during a Premier League launch event ahead of Arsenal's Friday night opener against Coventry.
"To achieve that you need world‑class facilities, a world‑class stadium, world‑class supporters, and, above all, a world‑class squad with the best players in the world. Those are the ingredients that win matches and make the difference when it matters most. That's exactly what we are trying to build with the players we already have and with the players we intend to bring in to elevate Arsenal." Arsenal enter the 2026/27 campaign as the clear favourites to retain their title, a status reinforced by a comfortable 3‑0 victory over Manchester City in the Community Shield.
While the club enjoys this privileged position, Arteta remains grounded. "I understand that being labelled the frontrunners is part of the business, and that's fine," he said. "What matters to me is looking into my players' eyes and seeing the fire, the desire, the daily drive to improve.
That's the only thing I care about." Historically, defending a top‑flight title has proved elusive for Arsenal; the last time they managed it was in the early 1990s. Arteta is keen to break that pattern.
"We recognise the challenge ahead and we are fully aware of what it will take to deliver," he explained. "But I feel the ambition, the desire, the ability and the conviction within this group.
I truly believe we can achieve it." Chief Executive Richard Garlick echoed the same forward‑looking philosophy, stating that Arsenal are looking for players who will "change the dial" for the club. After missing out on a move for Vinícius Júnior, who renewed his contract with Real Madrid, the Gunners have turned their attention to Atletico Madrid striker Julián Álvarez and have also been linked with Victor Osimhen.
Garlick explained, "In the past we signed players who helped us reach a certain level, but now we are competing at the very top. We need individuals who can take us forward, whether they are young talents we develop or established world‑class stars. Combining academy graduates with the best players on the planet gives us the best chance of sustaining our success and surpassing what we have already accomplished." 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 spending, Garlick responded, "We began this season with a clear statement: we will not stand still and pat ourselves on the back.
The best clubs are always moving forward. We have already put money into the squad, and if the right opportunity arises we will strengthen in any area that needs it. The window remains open for the next few weeks, and if a player emerges who can push Arsenal forward, 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 elite talent, which makes it more challenging to land those game‑changing signings.
However, if the right chance presents itself, we will certainly explore it." On the pitch, Arsenal demonstrated why they are favourites to retain the league title with a dominant Community Shield performance against Manchester City. Yet Arteta is still considering further additions, particularly a striker and a defender.
The club is reportedly in talks about England internationals Ezri Konsa and Jarell Quansah, both capable of playing as centre‑backs or right‑backs, to cover for William Saliba's prolonged injury lay‑off. Negotiations are expected to be complex: Aston Villa have set a £60 million price tag on Konsa, while Bayer Leverkusen are reluctant to part with Quansah.
In the forward department, Arsenal have yet to secure a marquee signing after Vinícius Júnior chose to stay at Real Madrid. Interest remains in Julián Álvarez and there are also rumours linking the Gunners with Victor Osimhen.
At the start of the window the club aimed to bring in a left‑winger, but with Christian Tzolis exceeding expectations, Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta may feel the left flank is already adequately covered. 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 either Lewis‑Skelly or Martin Zubimendi leaving.
Any deal for Zubimendi would likely need to recoup the £51 million spent on him last summer, whereas Lewis‑Skelly could be sold for pure profit. In summary, Arteta and the Arsenal hierarchy are determined to build on the historic league win by investing in world‑class talent, improving facilities, and fostering a winning mentality throughout the club. Their aim is not merely to defend a title but to set a new standard for what a modern football club can achieve, both on and off the field, and to finally claim the elusive status of the best club in the world.