Mikel Arteta has indicated that Arsenal is actively pursuing new signings that could elevate the club to a "different dimension," with transfer plans expected to become "very concrete" in the near future. The manager's comments come after Arsenal secured the Premier League title last season, ending a 22-year wait and finishing ahead of rivals for three consecutive campaigns.
While the club has made some additions this summer, including the permanent signings of Christos Tzolis for £36 million and Illan Meslier on a free transfer, and Piero Hincapie's loan from Bayer Leverkusen being made permanent, a marquee signing remains a key objective. Arsenal has reportedly expressed interest in signing Vinicius Junior from Real Madrid, contingent on the Brazilian's contract situation with the Spanish club. The Gunners also maintain interest in Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez and are determined to reach an agreement with Newcastle for Bruno Guimaraes.
"A lot is happening," Arteta stated. "From ownership to the board, the sporting director and myself, we know that we want to take this club to a different level. That is going to require a better squad, better individuals."
He added that the club has identified areas for growth and improvement to evolve their game. "Hopefully very soon we can start to put things in a very concrete way. Excellence has to be our standard and this has to drive to attack the future. The way we behave daily with more and more determination and ambition because we've shown that we've got it. Now we have to show that we belong to this level and we want to increase and take this football club to a different dimension."
Arsenal is currently training in Girona in preparation for a pre-season friendly match against the Spanish side scheduled for Saturday. In team news, Christian Norgaard is understood to have sustained an injury and is unlikely to be available for the upcoming friendly.