Mikel Arteta Confirms Arsenal’s Intent to Strengthen Squad Ahead of Transfer Deadline
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After Arsenal’s friendly match against Como 1907 on Wednesday, Mikel Arteta addressed the media about the club’s ongoing transfer activities.
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Arteta stated, “There is more that we want to do because every time we have an opportunity to improve the squad and bring more quality and depth, we need to do that. We’re actively trying to do so – the thing is, in the market, it doesn’t just depend on you, and we’re very clear on that.”
He further explained, “The will and the desire of the club is unquestionable, but we cannot promise that we’re going to do it because it doesn’t only depend on us.”

Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
Arteta continued, “For the margins to improve, there are very few players in the market that are available to do that and bring more quality to the club. But again, we’re actively looking to improve that and we’re going to try.”
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Arsenal is clearly in pursuit of at least one defender and one attacker, with further moves likely hinging on player departures.
The Gunners are specifically targeting a centre-back to cover for William Saliba’s injury absence, with Aston Villa‘s Ezri Konsa emerging as a priority target. Additionally, they are exploring options for wingers or strikers after missing out on their top target, Vinicius Junior.

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While the new primary forward target for Arsenal is still unclear, there have been ongoing discussions about a potential move for Julian Alvarez, although no concrete reports support this yet.
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As the summer transfer window progresses, it’s not uncommon for Arsenal, along with other top Premier League clubs, to have numerous transactions pending.
The coming weeks promise to be busy as the club navigates its transfer strategy.

Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Arsenal still want to make further signings this summer, but he’s admitted it’s not entirely in their control.

Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
Speaking to the media after Arsenal’s friendly match against Como 1907 on Wednesday, Mikel Arteta discussed the club’s transfer business.
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“There is more that we want to do, because every time we have an opportunity to improve the squad and bring more quality and depth, we need to do that,” Arteta began. “We’re actively trying to do so – the thing is, in the market, it doesn’t just depend on you, and we’re very clear on that.
“The will and the desire of the club is unquestionable, but we cannot promise that we’re going to do it because it doesn’t only depend on us.”

Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
“For the margins to improve, there are very few players in the market that are available to do that and bring more quality to the club,” Arteta added. “But again, we’re actively looking to improve that and we’re going to try.”
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It’s very clear that Arsenal remain in the market for at least one defender and one attacker, with any other business likely to depend on outgoings.
The Gunners are chasing a centre-back to fill in during William Saliba’s injury absence, with Aston Villa‘s Ezri Konsa generally touted as their priority option. Then they’re also looking at wingers or strikers, having missed out on top target Vinicius Junior.

Photo by Pedro Salado/Getty Images
Arsenal’s new priority forward target is less clear at the moment, with repeated suggestions that the Gunners are interested in a move for Julian Alvarez that is unlikely to come to fruition, but few concrete reports beyond that.
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But it’s certainly not unusual for Arsenal to have a lot of outstanding business to do at this stage of the summer. That’s the case across all of the top Premier League clubs at the moment, both in terms of incomings and outgoings.
It’s going to be a very busy final few weeks of the window.

Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
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