Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has expressed optimism that the upcoming season could finally yield the silverware his side has been chasing, following a string of close calls in recent years.
Since winning the FA Cup in his first campaign at the helm during the 2019/2020 season, Arteta has been working to return the North London club to its glory days.
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Under his stewardship, Arsenal have consistently contended for major titles, finishing second in the Premier League for three consecutive seasons and reaching the UEFA Champions League semi-finals for the first time in over a decade last term.
With another significant round of investment in the squad during the summer transfer window, the pressure is mounting on the Spanish coach to deliver. Arsenal have reportedly spent close to £200 million to strengthen multiple areas of the pitch.
New additions include Swedish striker Viktor Gyokeres, midfield duo Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard, defender Cristhian Mosquera, winger Noni Madueke, and goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga.
In his programme notes ahead of Arsenal’s preseason clash with Villarreal on Wednesday, Arteta underlined the club’s ambitions and growing confidence.
“We know what our targets are and what we want to achieve this season — there is a big belief in our ability to achieve that,” Arteta said.
“We have been very, very close the last few seasons and the whole team is going to determine whether we achieve that or not.
“But at the same time, we have to make sure that we don’t lose sight of what we have to do on a daily basis to get to the levels that we want.
“We have to set the demands that we want within this goal, because that’s the most important thing — the internal demands have to always exceed any external demand. That is what we are trying to achieve every single day.”
Arteta also emphasized the importance of making the Emirates Stadium a fortress by fostering a deep connection between players and supporters.
“We want our people to start connecting with our players straight away, to start to build momentum and to start to feel that at home we are invincible,” he said.
“That we play here with such passion, energy and connection with our people, that we are going to win the game.”
Arsenal’s Premier League campaign will kick off with a high-profile encounter away at Manchester United on August 17.
