Arteta wants reinforced Arsenal squad to challenge Man City

Arteta's men topped the table for much of last season, but faltered down the stretch after suffering injuries to key players. Man City went on to seal their fourth Premier League title in five years and complete the treble by winning the FA Cup and Champions League.

Both clubs are reportedly in a bidding war for West Ham captain Declan Rice, while Arsenal are also set to land Kai Havertz from Chelsea.

"That is our ambition," Arteta told Marca on his hopes of winning the title. "We know the difficulty: it's the best league in the world and next season is going to be the toughest league in Premier League history".

"Why? It already was last year. I've been here for 22 years and I've never seen a competitive level like that. So much quality, so much organisation, so many resources, so many good coaches. That's the level and to win the Premier League you have to be the best. That's why you have to strengthen", he acknowledged.

Few expected Arsenal to even pose a title challenge having finished outside the top four for the previous six seasons. But Arteta admitted he is still hurting after leading the Premier League most of the way from August through the April.

"To this day, it still hurts me deep inside not to have won the Premier League after 10 months of fighting with City," he added.

In the face of injuries, and a seemlingly flawless opponent, "we had no choice but to accept it and shake hands with the champion", he finished.

 

June 25, 2023