Mikel Arteta is brimming with enthusiasm as he looks to further develop Arsenal after 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 begun reinforcing the squad to protect that achievement. Key signings such as Christian Tzolis and Bruno Guimarães have arrived, signalling the club’s intent to stay ahead of the competition.
Arteta emphasized that Arsenal will continue to chase top‑tier talent in order 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 fixture against Coventry City. He added that achieving that status requires "the best facilities, the best stadium, the best supporters, and you need the best squad and the best players in the world." Those elements, according to Arteta, are the ingredients that win matches and decide outcomes when the stakes are highest.
"That's what we try to build with the actual players that we have, and with the players that we want to sign to make the difference for Arsenal," he explained. Arsenal entered the 2026/27 campaign as overwhelming favourites to retain the title, a perception reinforced 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.
"For me, it's when I look into the eyes of my players and I see that fire, that desire and the will to be better every single day. That's the only thing that I care about." Historically, defending a top‑flight title has been a rare feat for Arsenal; the last time they managed it was in the 1990s. Arteta recognises the weight of that history and sees it as a fresh challenge. "That's an opportunity that we have ahead, and we are very conscious of what it's going to take to deliver that," he said.
"But I feel the ambition, I feel the desire, and I feel the ability and the conviction around the team that we can do it." Club chief executive Richard Garlick echoed the ambition, stating that Arsenal are looking for players who will "change the dial" and propel the side forward. While the club missed out on Vinícius Júnior after the Brazilian star renewed his contract with Real Madrid, they have shown interest in Atletico Madrid forward Julián Álvarez and have also been linked with Victor Osimhen. Garlick explained the recruitment philosophy: "In the past we've looked at players that maybe helped build out the squad or get us to a certain level, but now we're competing right at the top level, and we do need to bring in players that are going to change the dial. That might be younger players that come into your squad and give them time to develop, and you've seen that in the last couple of years at Arsenal.
If we're able to combine those players that are coming through the academy with some of the best players in the world then we've got every chance of maintaining that success and going beyond what we've already achieved." Financially, Arsenal have already invested £143.5 million in four summer arrivals, including the permanent signing of defender Piero Hincapié. When asked whether further spending was on the table, Garlick replied that the club is not content to rest on its laurels. "We said at the start of this season we're not going to stand still and pat ourselves on the back and say, 'Well done, job done, nothing else to do.' We want to move forward – the best clubs are always moving forward. You can see we've already invested in the squad this season, and if the right opportunity arises, then we will look to strengthen in all areas.
The window's open for the next couple of weeks, and if there are players that are going to come in and move Arsenal forward, then we will look at that." He added that the bar is now set very high: winning the Premier League and reaching a Champions League final means Arsenal are fishing in a smaller pool of elite talent, which makes landing the ideal signings a complex task. Nonetheless, Garlick affirmed that any suitable opportunity will be pursued. On the pitch, Arsenal have already demonstrated why they are favourites to retain the league with their dominant Community Shield performance against Manchester City. However, Arteta may still look to bolster his title‑winning side.
The club is reportedly targeting an additional forward and a defender. With William Saliba still sidelined for an extended period, Arsenal have explored options such as England internationals Ezri Konsa and Jarell Quansah, both capable of playing at centre‑back or right‑back. Negotiations have proved tricky—Aston Villa are asking £60 million for Konsa, while Bayer Leverkusen are reluctant to part with Quansah. The quest for a marquee striker continues.
After Vinícius Júnior chose to stay at Real Madrid, Arsenal's interest has shifted to Julián Álvarez and there are also whispers linking them with Victor Osimhen. Earlier in the window, the club aimed to sign a left‑winger, but the unexpected rise in form of summer signing Christos Tzolis may have satisfied that need, according to Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta. Financial sustainability is also a priority.
Arsenal are said to be 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 sparked speculation that either Lewis‑Skelly or Martin Zubimendi could depart. Any deal for Zubimendi would likely need to recoup the £51 million Arsenal paid for him last summer, whereas Lewis‑Skelly could be sold for pure profit.
In summary, Arteta and the Arsenal hierarchy are driven by a clear vision: to build a club that not only wins trophies but does so with world‑class facilities, a passionate fanbase, and a squad composed of elite talent. The ambition to be "the best club in the world" is backed by strategic signings, a willingness to invest further, and a focus on nurturing academy prospects alongside proven internationals. As the season unfolds, the Gunners will aim to defend their Premier League crown, make a deep run in the Champions League, and continue the transformation that has positioned them at the forefront of English football.