Mikel Arteta has expressed his vision of Arsenal lifting the Premier League title on the final home match of this season, emphasizing the need for squad reinforcements in the upcoming transfer window amid what he describes as a “very exciting summer.”
As Arsenal prepares to face Newcastle in their concluding home fixture, they currently trail champions Liverpool by 15 points and risk falling to third place if they are defeated.
Reflecting on the season ahead, Arteta said, “At the start of the season, I pictured lifting the Premier League trophy in our last home game. Given our journey over the last 11 months, we can hold our heads high, but there’s still disappointment because we aim for greatness.”
Arsenal is on course for their fifth consecutive season without a trophy, having faced early exits from both the Champions League and the FA Cup, as well as from the Carabao Cup semi-finals.
When discussing the reasons behind not meeting their objectives, Arteta pinpointed “red cards and injuries” as key factors. The Gunners have faced the highest number of injuries in the league and lead in red cards, indicating significant hurdles throughout the season.
“Without those issues, who knows how much closer we could have been?” Arteta pondered. “I firmly believe the answer is yes, given our performances.”
He also acknowledged that substantial improvements must be made next season, emphasizing, “With our point tally over the last three years, we remain close. The bar will be raised, and we need to enhance our performance.”
Transitioning to the summer transfer window, Arteta highlighted the necessity of augmenting the squad to compete effectively with the likes of Liverpool. He noted the potential departures of key players and the importance of addressing the team’s depth, particularly given ongoing injury concerns.
“We definitely need reinforcements,” Arteta confirmed. “With our current situation and the players recovering from long-term injuries, winning trophies without new signings seems unrealistic.”
When asked whether a new center-forward is top of the list, he affirmed, “Any player who can improve us is crucial. We know the significance of strengthening our squad.”
Arteta expressed enthusiasm regarding his collaboration with new sporting director Andrea Berta, indicating a unified vision for the team’s future. Berta’s extensive experience will be invaluable as Arsenal seeks to enhance their roster in preparation for the challenges ahead.
As Arsenal gears up for their match against Newcastle, fans can expect an action-packed showdown and a glimpse into the club’s summer ambitions.
