Mikel Arteta is preparing for his eighth season as Arsenal’s manager with a renewed focus on building upon last year’s Premier League triumph. The Spaniard, who is now the longest-serving manager in English top-flight football, aims to harness the strong connection he has helped foster between the club and its supporters to elevate Arsenal’s performance further.
Arsenal ended a 22-year wait for the Premier League title last season, sparking jubilant celebrations in North London, where nearly one million fans welcomed the team during the victory parade. Despite the disappointment of losing the Champions League final on penalties to Paris Saint-Germain the night before, Arteta described the parade as the most memorable football experience of his life, highlighting its significance in symbolizing the club’s resurgence.
“When I arrived in 2019, the relationship between the team and the fans was distant, and the Emirates Stadium often lacked atmosphere,” Arteta reflected. “The parade showed the deep attachment the supporters feel for the club and the progress we have made together.” Under his leadership, the club has seen renewed enthusiasm, with fans organizing their own welcomes for key matches and celebrating pivotal moments, such as Manchester City’s draw against Bournemouth that secured Arsenal’s title.
Arteta emphasized that the club’s collective spirit and identity represent its greatest strength. “The connection we share must translate into every opportunity we have to be together and succeed,” he said. Although last season’s league victory was a milestone, the manager insists it is only the beginning of a new era. “Our ambition is to maintain high standards daily, improving continuously with discipline and commitment.”
Arsenal’s pre-season kicked off with a friendly against Spanish second-division side Girona. Defender Jurrien Timber returned to London from the team’s warm-weather camp in Spain for ongoing treatment of a groin issue that has kept him out since March. Timber’s injury also forced him to withdraw from the Netherlands’ World Cup squad. Meanwhile, Brazilian internationals Gabriel Magalhaes and Gabriel Martinelli are expected to join the camp later this week for assessment following their World Cup participation.
Arteta is actively seeking to strengthen his squad to maintain Arsenal’s competitive edge. The club is reportedly pursuing a high-profile move for Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr, who has one year left on his contract and is currently in talks over a renewal. In addition, Arsenal is targeting Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes and Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa to reinforce key areas of the team. The manager acknowledged the urgent need to upgrade the squad, especially with key defender William Saliba expected to miss the start of the season due to a back injury sustained before the World Cup.
“We want to take this club to a different level,” Arteta stated. “That will require better players and evolving our game to meet those demands.” He also stressed that maintaining success must become the new baseline for the club. “Excellence has to be our standard, driving us with determination and ambition. We have shown we belong at this level and now we must prove it by pushing the club to new heights.”