Arteta Eyes Breakthrough Season as Arsenal Invest Heavily for Glory
Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta says there is a “big belief” within the squad that the upcoming season will be different, as the Gunners aim to end a run of near-misses and finally secure major silverware.
Speaking ahead of a pre-season friendly against Villarreal at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday, Arteta expressed optimism that his side — bolstered by significant summer signings — is now ready to take the final step towards glory.
“We know what our targets are and what we want to achieve this season — there is a big belief in our ability to achieve that,” said the Spaniard in his programme notes. “We have been very, very close the last few seasons and the whole team is going to determine whether we achieve that or not.”
Arteta, who last lifted a trophy with Arsenal in 2020 when he won the FA Cup in his debut season as manager, has since rebuilt the team into consistent title contenders. Under his leadership, the Gunners have finished second in the Premier League three seasons in a row and reached the UEFA Champions League semi-finals last season — their first in 16 years.
However, with silverware still elusive, pressure is mounting on the 42-year-old to deliver. Backed by the club’s hierarchy, Arsenal have spent nearly £200 million in the transfer market this summer to strengthen key areas of the squad.
New arrivals include Swedish striker Viktor Gyokeres, Spanish midfielder Martin Zubimendi, Denmark’s Christian Norgaard, Spanish centre-back Cristhian Mosquera, England winger Noni Madueke, and experienced goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Arteta stressed the importance of daily standards in achieving long-term success.
“We have to make sure that we don’t lose sight of what we have to do on a daily basis to get to the levels that we want,” he said. “The internal demands have to always exceed any external demand. That is what we are trying to achieve every single day.”
In addition to results, Arteta is keen on building a fortress-like mentality at the Emirates, urging fans to forge a deep connection with the players from the very start of the season.
“We want our people to start connecting with our players straight away, to start to build momentum and to start to feel that at home we are invincible,” he said. “That we play here with such passion, energy and connection with our people, that we are going to win the game.”
Arsenal will kick off their Premier League campaign with a highly anticipated away clash against rivals Manchester United on August 17 — a fixture that could immediately set the tone for a season full of expectation and ambition.
