Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has expressed his conviction that his team is currently among the best in Europe, highlighting that they only need a major title to consolidate their position in the football elite.
Arteta has guided Arsenal to victory in an FA Cup and two Community Shields in his seven years at the helm of the club, as well as achieving second place in the last three seasons of the Premier League.
Despite the absence of significant trophies under his management, the Spanish coach believes Arsenal has undergone a “transformation” since his arrival.
“I give my passion, my energy, my knowledge and everything I have to this club. I believe we have transformed this club from where it was to where it is today. In terms of performance, if we look at the last three years of the Premier League, we are the team that has scored the most points. But we still need to win a major title. That’s what we’re missing, because the rest is done,” Arteta declared.
Mikel Arteta
The connection with the fans has changed, there is no doubt that Arsenal is one of the best teams in Europe right now, but we still need to seal that achievement.
Arsenal has made significant investments this summer with the aim of taking the next step, incorporating striker Viktor Gyökeres for 63 million euros, as well as welcoming Noni Madueke, Martín Zubimendi, Christhian Mosquera, Christian Nørgaard and goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, totaling an expenditure of more than 200 million euros.
“It was a summer in which we had the opportunity to rest and relax. It was also a summer in which we worked hard, in which we were able to sign new players to have a wider and higher quality squad,” Arteta stated.
“It’s going to be an exciting season, just look at the level of all the teams, of the league in general.”
Arsenal’s star signing this transfer window is Gyökeres. The striker position has been a problem due to injuries during Arteta’s time at the club, so much so that midfielder Mikel Merino led the attack at the Emirates for part of last season.
Gyökeres scored 54 goals in all competitions for Sporting CP last season, and Arteta believes he can maintain his form in the new season for Arsenal.
“We have signed a special player. When you look at his stats, it’s impressive what he has done in recent years. And secondly, because we needed to improve that area of our squad,” he said.
“Last season we had injuries to important players, who were out for four or five months. At this level, that’s unsustainable.”
“Now, given all this context, we needed a player who had the personality to withstand the pressure of putting on that jersey and going out on the field with all that. Viktor has all that.”
