Arteta: Arsenal, one of the best in Europe, seeks the title that will consecrate them
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has stated that his team has transformed into “one of the best in Europe”, and now only needs a major trophy to consolidate its position among the elite clubs.
Arteta has led Arsenal to win an FA Cup and two Community Shields in his seven years at the club, as well as achieving a second place in the last three seasons of the Premier League.
“I give my passion, my energy, my knowledge and everything I have to give to this club. I believe we have transformed this club from where it was to where it is today”.
Mikel Arteta
Despite the lack of major titles under his management, the Spanish coach believes Arsenal is a “transformed” club since he took over.
“In terms of performance, if we look at the last three years of the Premier League, we are the team that has accumulated the most points. But we still need to win a major title. That’s what we’re missing, because the rest is done,” he added.Arsenal has made significant investments this summer with the aim of taking the next step, signing striker Viktor Gyökeres for 63 million euros. Noni Madueke, Martín Zubimendi, Christhian Mosquera, Christian Nørgaard and goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga have also joined, 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 larger and better quality squad,” Arteta commented.
“It’s going to be an exciting season, you only have to see the level of all the teams, of the league in general.”
Arsenal’s star signing, however, is Gyökeres. The striker position has been plagued by injuries during Arteta’s time at the club, to the point 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 brought in 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.”
