Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says he expects further arrivals before the summer transfer window closes, with the Premier League champions refusing to “sit still” as they prepare to defend their first English top-flight title in 22 years.
The north London club have been less active in the transfer market than several of their major rivals, including Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester City and Chelsea. However, Arsenal have been linked with a move for Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes and Real Madrid winger Vinicius jnr.
Arteta declined to comment specifically on the reported interest in either player after Arsenal’s 4-1 pre-season victory over Girona on Saturday. Instead, the Spaniard underlined the club’s intention to improve the squad before the new campaign begins.
“We expect to have movements in the next few weeks, obviously,” Arteta told reporters.
“We want to get better like anybody else, and you can see the transfer market and our opponents and what we are doing. We won’t sit still, and we are very ambitious with what we are doing.”
The Arsenal manager said the club were focused on strengthening competition within the team and addressing areas where they believe they lack sufficient depth.
“The margins are very small. Because we want to get better and the level is going to increase. We need to increase the competition internally. We need to make sure we identify the things we don’t have in the team.”
Arsenal have already added goalkeeper Illan Meslier and forward Christos Tzolis during the current window. Defender Piero Hincapie has also completed a permanent move to the club after spending the previous season on loan at the Emirates.
Arteta’s squad is now preparing for the opening match of the Premier League title defence, when Arsenal will host promoted Coventry City on 21 August.
The manager’s comments suggest the club’s summer business is not yet complete, despite the signings already made. Arsenal’s decision to continue assessing the market comes as their principal domestic rivals also seek to strengthen ahead of the new season.
Arteta said Arsenal’s ambition was driven by the need to keep improving in an increasingly competitive league. With only small margins separating the leading teams, he believes the squad must be pushed by greater internal competition if the club are to maintain their position at the top of English football.
The 4-1 win against Girona provided Arsenal with another pre-season test as preparations continued, but the focus has now shifted towards completing the squad and ensuring the champions are ready for the demands of defending their title.
Arsenal will therefore continue to monitor potential additions in the coming weeks, with Arteta making clear that the club intends to remain active before the transfer window closes.
