Arteta: We want to make Arsenal the best club in the world
Arteta says Arsenal will keep recruiting top players and improving facilities as they begin the defence of the title.
Mikel Arteta has set out an ambitious target for Arsenal beyond simply defending their Premier League crown: to turn the club into "the best club in the world." He made the pledge at the Premier League season-opening event, ahead of Arsenal's title defence which begins against Coventry on Friday night.
New signings and momentum
Arsenal, who ended a 22-year wait for the league trophy last season, have already strengthened their squad with key recruits including Christos Tzolis and Bruno Guimaraes. The club also reinforced its credentials with a convincing 3-0 victory over Manchester City in the Community Shield on Sunday.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Arteta described the owners' and club's long-term aim: "Of course the ambition of the club and of the owners is to be the best club in the world. To achieve that you need the best facilities, the best stadium, the best supporters and the best team and the best players in the world." He added that those elements are what win matches and make the difference when it matters.
The Spaniard said Arsenal will continue to recruit elite players to close the gap at the top: "That is what we are trying to build with the players we have now and the ones we want to bring in to make the difference for Arsenal," he said.
Despite carrying the status of clear favourites to retain the title, Arteta insisted he is comfortable with the pressure that brings. "I think that's part of our industry and that's normal," he said. "What matters to me is when I look into the eyes of my players and see that fire, that desire and will to be better every day. That is all I care about."
Arteta also acknowledged the historical challenge: Arsenal have not successfully defended a top-flight title since the 1990s. "This is an opportunity in front of us and we are fully aware of what will be required to achieve it," he said. "But I feel the ambition, I feel the desire, I feel the capability and the belief in the team that we can do it."
Photo: Arsenal H
