Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that the Premier League champions will remain active during the summer transfer window, insisting that the club will not “stand still” as they prepare to defend their first Premier League title in 22 years.
Although Arsenal have been quieter in the transfer market than rivals Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester City, and Chelsea, the North London club continue to be linked with high-profile names such as Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimarães and Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior.
Speaking after Arsenal’s 4-1 friendly victory over Girona, Arteta refused to comment on speculation surrounding those players but confirmed that the club is working on further additions.
“We expect movement in the coming weeks. Like every other team, we want to improve. We are not going to stand still, and we are very ambitious about what we are building,” the Spanish coach said.
Arteta also emphasized that competition in the Premier League is becoming increasingly intense and that Arsenal must continue to strengthen the quality within the squad.
“The margins are very small. We need to improve and increase internal competition. We have identified the areas where we need to get better, and we are working to address them.”
So far this summer, Arsenal have signed goalkeeper Illan Meslier, forward Christos Tzolis, and completed the permanent transfer of defender Piero Hincapié, who spent last season at the club on loan.
The Gunners will begin the defence of their Premier League title on August 21, when they host Coventry City at the Emirates Stadium.
