Mikel Arteta is brimming with enthusiasm as he looks to extend Arsenal's recent triumph in the Premier League, insisting that the club’s ultimate aim is to become "the best club in the world." The Gunners lifted the league trophy last season for the first time in 22 years, and already they have begun to reinforce the squad to protect that honour, securing high‑profile signings such as Christian Tzolis and Bruno Guimarães. Arteta explained that Arsenal will continue to chase top‑class talent in order to push 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 the Premier League launch event ahead of the Friday night opener against Coventry. "To achieve that you need the finest facilities, the most iconic stadium, passionate supporters, and, above all, the best squad and the best players on the planet." He went on to stress that those elements are the ones that 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 to give Arsenal that extra edge," Arteta added.
Arsenal enter the 2026/27 campaign as overwhelming favourites to retain their title, a status underlined by a comfortable 3‑0 victory over Manchester City in the Community Shield. Yet Arteta remains grounded. "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 fire, desire and the will to improve every single day.
That is the only thing that matters to me." Historically, defending a top‑flight title has been a rare feat for Arsenal – the last time they did so was in the 1990s. Arteta recognises the weight of that history and is keen to rewrite it. "It is an opportunity we are aware of, and we know what it will take to deliver," 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, noting that Arsenal are now looking for players who will "change the dial" and propel the team forward.
While the club missed out on Vinícius Júnior after he renewed his contract with Real Madrid, they have identified Atletico Madrid forward Julián Álvarez as a prime target. Garlick explained, "In the past we signed players to build the squad to a certain level, but now we are competing at the very top and need individuals who can raise the standard." He added that a blend of emerging academy talent and world‑class signings is the formula for sustained success.
"If we can combine home‑grown players with the best talent available, we have every chance of maintaining our achievements and surpassing them," Garlick said. So far Arsenal have invested £143.5 million on four summer arrivals, including the permanent signing of defender Piero Hincapié. When asked whether further spending is on the cards, Garlick responded, "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 have already invested, and if the right opportunity presents itself we will act." He acknowledged that the pool of elite players is now smaller, given the club’s recent successes, which makes targeting the very best more challenging.
Nevertheless, the window remains open for a few weeks, and Arsenal will continue to scout for players who can "move Arsenal forward." In terms of specific needs, the Gunners are looking to add depth in attack and defence. The prolonged injury lay‑off 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 are expected to be tough: Villa are demanding around £60 million for Konsa, while Bayer Leverkusen are reluctant to let Quansah leave. On the offensive side, Arsenal remain keen on securing a marquee forward after Vinícius Júnior chose to stay at Real Madrid. Julián Álvarez is again on their radar, and there are also whispers linking the club with Victor Osimhen. Earlier in the window the club pursued a left‑winger, but with Tzolis exceeding expectations, Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta feel the left flank is already well‑covered.
Financial prudence is also a priority. The club is reportedly open to offers for Gabriel Martínelli, Ethan Nwaneri and Gabriel Jesus, while the future of Myles Lewis‑Skelly remains uncertain. Bruno Guimarães’ arrival has sparked speculation that either Lewis‑Skelly or Martin Zubimendi could depart.
Any deal for Zubimendi would likely need to recoup the £51 million spent on him last summer, whereas a sale of Lewis‑Skelly would generate pure profit. In summary, Arteta’s vision is clear: build on the Premier League triumph by assembling world‑class facilities, a stadium that matches the club’s ambitions, a fan base that fuels the players, and a squad that blends emerging talent with proven stars.
The club’s leadership is committed to continuous investment, strategic signings, and maintaining a culture of relentless improvement. As the new season unfolds, Arsenal fans can expect a team that not only defends its title but also strives to set new standards, aiming to finally become the club that truly deserves the label "the best in the world."