After signing spree, Mikel Arteta still hopes for more Arsenal recruits ahead of new season

SINGAPORE – Having splashed out close to €150 million (S$224 million) on four signings in the summer transfer window, Premier League team Arsenal have made a bold statement of intent for the season ahead.

While manager Mikel Arteta has been pleased with their recent dealings, he has urged the club to do even more as he looks to steer his side to their first major trophy since 2020.

“In terms of numbers, we are short and we have to improve the depth and quality of the squad,” said the 43-year-old Spaniard in a press conference on July 21 at the National Stadium, where they will meet AC Milan in a pre-season friendly on July 23 as part of the Singapore Festival of Football.

“There’s still a long time in the window, and we are seeking, still. We are constantly looking in the market. Until that happens, we focus on the players we have and I’m very pleased with what I have seen in the last 10-15 days.”

Arsenal arrived in Singapore on July 20 to kick off their pre-season tour of Asia. After the Milan match, they will conduct an open training session on July 25 at the National Stadium, where they will also meet English League Cup holders Newcastle United two days later.

Having finished runners-up in the EPL for the last three seasons, the Gunners are keen to shed their bridesmaid tag. Their transfer dealings have made Arteta “super positive” about their new season, which kicks off against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Aug 17.

They have signed winger Noni Madueke and goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea, as well as midfielders Christian Norgaard and Martin Zubimendi from Brentford and Real Sociedad respectively, with the quartet costing close to €150 million.

Valencia centre-back Cristhian Mosquera is expected to be their fifth summer signing, with reports suggesting that both sides have agreed a deal worth an initial £13 million for the 21-year-old Spaniard, who will provide cover for Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba.

Sweden striker Viktor Gyokeres, who scored 54 goals for Sporting Lisbon last season, is also said to be close to moving to the Emirates Stadium in a deal reportedly worth over €70 million.

When asked if he had an update on Gyokeres, Arteta flashed a smile but was tight-lipped about the situation.

“I cannot comment on any player who is not part of our group yet. When we have something concrete to offer in any case to any player, we will do that,” he said.

Crystal Palace attacking midfielder Eberechi Eze and Real Madrid winger Rodrygo have also been heavily linked with the Gunners.

While Arteta waits for newer arrivals to come through the door, he has been delighted by their recent signings and how the club have been supportive in his efforts to beef up the squad.

“I think Andrea (Berta, Arsenal’s sporting director) and the team have done an excellent job as well trying to push everything forward,” he added. “There’s a long time to go in the window, but we have our hopes that we can improve the team and we will continue to try and do that.”

He likened making new signings to “shaking the tree”, while reflecting the club owners’ ambition.

“Bringing new faces, they bring new excitement, new energy as well,” he said. “We signed very important players as well. I think everybody feels that the heights have to go to a different level and it’s what we are seeking.”

While he was thrilled to talk about their transfer dealings, Arteta was less forthcoming on matters pertaining to a former player.

At the start of July, former Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey was charged with five counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, with the charges relating to three women and the offences reported to have taken place between 2021 and 2022.

He left the club at the expiration of his contract in June, before news emerged of his charges.

Partey was first arrested in July 2022, though he was not named at the time and continued to play for Arsenal while investigations were ongoing. This resulted in criticism at how the club had handled the situation.

Speaking for the first time about the incident since the 32-year-old Ghanaian was charged, Arteta said: “The club was very clear in its statement. There are a lot of legal matters that are very complicated so I cannot comment on any of that.”

When pressed further on whether he felt the club had followed all the right processes, he replied: “100 per cent.”