- Mikel Arteta has admitted he is hopeful of signings during the summer window
- The club is willing to close a deal with the Italian and Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori
- But Arteta believes more will be needed if Arsenal are to challenge for the league title.
Mikel Arteta has admitted that improvements are needed to his squad if Arsenal are to win the Premier League as the club close in on signing Riccardo Calafiori.
The Gunners play Bournemouth and Manchester United this week in Los Angeles, before facing Liverpool in Philadelphia next week on their pre-season tour of the United States.
“We have to[improve],” he said. “Perfection in this league requires different standards to link that word to winning the Premier League, and that’s what we have to do.”
“We need to improve in everything we do. We have to improve in all aspects and that’s what we’re trying to do.”
Asked about versatile Bologna defender Calafiori, whose move could be sealed this week, Arteta said: ‘No, unfortunately not (an upgrade) but obviously we know there are certain positions we want to improve and give the team better resources in terms of numbers where we are short, but we will do our best.’
Mikel Arteta admits Arsenal need improvements if they want to win the Premier League
The club is close to closing a deal with Bologna and Italy defender Riccardo Calafiori
England players Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice and Aaron Ramsdale are not with the squad after being granted additional rest following their Euro 2019 final defeat to Spain.
Saka scored his penalty in England’s quarter-final win over Switzerland. The goal came after Saka, Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford all missed penalties in the Euro final three years earlier, which was met with a torrent of racist abuse on social media.
The winger’s strength left the Spaniard relieved.
He said: ‘I was very nervous, you remember that moment a few years ago, but he showed a lot of courage, determination and composure to take it the way he did.
Arteta believes Arsenal must improve in “every aspect” to win titles next season
Bukayo Saka’s penalty-taking prowess during England’s Euro 2024 campaign left Arteta relieved
‘His role is constantly growing and evolving, he is a super important player for us and one of the main players of the national team.’
Although Spain’s Euro win left Arteta with mixed feelings, given that he has English players in his squad.
He added: “I’m very proud of my country. It was a great moment for us to win it again with this (Spanish) generation that had to earn it a lot in recent years, to get that trust. At the same time it’s sad, because you love your players and you want the best for them. It was a difficult moment for them.”
Tickets for Arsenal’s pre-season match against Manchester United in the United States are now available to purchase here
