Mikel Arteta admits ‘upgrades’ are needed across Arsenal’s squad this summer as he eyes another Premier League title challenge – with club closing in on Riccardo Calafiori deal
- Mikel Arteta admitted he is hopeful of transfers during the summer window
- The club are close to completing a deal for Italy and Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori
- But Arteta believes more will be needed if Arsenal are to win the league title
Mikel Arteta has admitted his squad needs to improve if Arsenal are to win the Premier League as the club close to signing Riccardo Calafiori.
The Gunners play Bournemouth and Manchester United in Los Angeles this week, before taking on Liverpool in Philadelphia next week on their US pre-season tour.
“We have to (improve),” he said. “Perfection in this competition requires different standards to associate that word with winning the Premier League, and that’s what we have to do.
“We need to upgrade everything we do. We need to improve in every area and that’s what we’re trying to do.”
When asked about versatile Bologna defender Calafiori, whose transfer could be completed this week, Arteta said: ‘No, unfortunately not (an update), but of course we know there are certain positions we want to improve and give the squad more resources in areas where we lack players, but we will do our best.’
Mikel Arteta admitted improvements are needed if Arsenal are to win the Premier League
The club are close to completing a deal for Bologna and Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori
England players Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice and Aaron Ramsdale are not part of the squad after being given extra rest following their European Championship final defeat to Spain.
Saka scored his penalty in England’s quarter-final win over Switzerland. It came after Saka, Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford had missed penalties in the Euros final three years earlier, which was met with a flood of racist abuse on social media.
The Spaniard was relieved to see how strong the winger was.
He said: ‘I was very nervous, it plays out in your head a few years ago, but he showed a lot of guts, determination and calmness by taking it like that.
Arteta believes Arsenal must improve in ‘every area’ as he targets silverware next season
Bukayo Saka’s penalty accuracy during England’s Euro 2024 campaign has provided Arteta with relief
“His role is constantly growing and evolving, he is a super important player for us and one of the most important players for the national team.”
Arteta has mixed feelings about Spain winning the European Championship, as he has English players in his squad.
He added: ‘I’m incredibly proud of my country. It was a great moment for us to win it again with this (Spain) generation that really had to earn it in recent years, to get that belief. At the same time sad, because you love your players and want the best for them. It was a difficult moment for them.’
Tickets for Arsenal’s US friendly against Manchester United are on sale here
