Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has set his sights on transforming the Premier League champions into a dominant force across world football, insisting the club has the ambition and resources to become the “best club in the world.”
Arteta’s ambitious declaration comes after Arsenal began the new campaign in impressive fashion, thrashing Manchester City 3-0 in the Community Shield at the Principality Stadium on Sunday.
The victory has further strengthened the belief that Arsenal are building a team capable of competing for major honours both in England and Europe.
The Gunners, who ended a long wait for the Premier League title last season, will begin their defence against newly promoted Coventry on Friday.
For Arteta, however, retaining the league title is only part of a much bigger project.
The Spaniard, who took charge of Arsenal in 2019 after previously working under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, wants to establish the club as a long-term powerhouse capable of challenging for trophies year after year.
“It’s certainly the ambition of the club and the owners to be the best club in the world,” Arteta told Sky Sports.
“In order to do that, you need the best facilities, the best stadium, the best supporters, and you need the best squad and the best players in the world.
“That’s what we try to build with the actual players that we have, and with the players that we want to sign to make the difference for Arsenal.”
Arteta has already overseen a significant transformation at the Emirates, rebuilding the squad, improving its mentality and turning Arsenal into a consistent title contender.
The club’s recruitment strategy has also continued to strengthen the team, with Brazil midfielder Bruno Guimaraes and Greek winger Christos Tzolis among the latest additions.
Arsenal are also reportedly completed a deal for Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa, while Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez has been linked with a move to north London.
The continued investment reflects Arteta’s desire to build strength and depth across the squad rather than rely on a small group of players.
The manager is also demanding greater consistency from his players after Arsenal suffered disappointment in Europe last season, including their Champions League final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain on penalties.
For Arteta, that setback has only increased the hunger within the squad.
“When I look into the eyes of my players, I see that fire, that desire and the will to be better every single day,” he said.
Arsenal’s impressive 3-0 victory over Manchester City in the Community Shield offered an early indication of their growing strength, with the Gunners looking sharper and more confident against one of their biggest rivals.
The result has also raised expectations ahead of the new Premier League campaign, particularly with Manchester City entering a new era following Guardiola’s departure.
City finished seven points behind Arsenal last season, while Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United are also looking to rebuild under new or returning leadership.
Arteta, however, is refusing to allow Arsenal’s recent progress to breed complacency.
Winning consecutive Premier League titles would represent another significant milestone, as Arsenal have not achieved the feat since the 1930s.
Beyond domestic success, the Champions League remains a major target for a club that has never lifted the trophy.
Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard believes the squad is determined to build on last season’s success rather than settle for it.
“This year we want more. We want to do it again in the league and then there are the other trophies,” Odegaard said.
With a stronger squad, increased investment and a clear long-term vision under Arteta, Arsenal are no longer simply trying to return to the top.
They are building towards becoming a club capable of staying there and competing for supremacy on the biggest stages in world football.
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