Mikel Arteta: Arsenal aiming to become 'the best club in the world'

Mikel Arteta says Arsenal are determined to become the best club in the world as they defend their Premier League title.

Arteta has challenged Arsenal to build on their first league title in 22 years, insisting the club's ambition extends beyond retaining the Premier League trophy. 

The Gunners begin their title defence against Coventry City at Emirates Stadium on Friday.

The Arsenal boss believes continued investment in the squad, facilities and infrastructure will be required if the club are to reach the level he and the ownership group are targeting.

Arteta sets ambitious target for Arsenal

Arsenal ended their long wait for a Premier League title last season and also reached the Champions League final, although they ultimately lost to Paris Saint-Germain.

Arteta now wants his side to use that success as a platform rather than a destination.

"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."

Arsenal have already strengthened their squad during the summer, with Bruno Guimaraes among the headline arrivals as Arteta looks to add further quality to his championship-winning side.

New signings expected to make difference

Arteta believes recruitment will remain central to Arsenal's development, with elite additions potentially providing the difference in the biggest matches.

"Those are the ones that win you football matches and the ones that can be decisive when it matters," he added.

"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."

The Gunners have also been linked with further defensive reinforcements, with Sky Sports reporting that Arsenal are in advanced talks to sign Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa as William Saliba and Jurrien Timber deal with injuries.

Arsenal embrace pressure of title defence

Arteta accepts Arsenal will enter the new campaign as favourites after finally claiming the Premier League crown.

Rather than viewing that pressure negatively, however, the Spaniard believes it should motivate his players.

"I think this is part of our industry, and that's OK," Arteta said.

"For me, it's when I look into the eyes of my players and I see that fire, that desire and the will to be better every single day."

"That's an opportunity that we have ahead," he added. 

"But I feel the ambition, I feel the desire, and I feel the ability and the conviction around the team that we can do it."

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