Mikel Arteta sets Arsenal target to become world’s best club

Mikel Arteta says Arsenal's ambition is to become the best club in the world, with the Premier League champions prepared to continue targeting elite players as they attempt to build on last season's success.

Arsenal ended a 22-year wait for the league title last season and have strengthened again this summer, but Arteta insists there is no sense that the job is finished ahead of Friday's opening game against Coventry.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Arteta made clear that winning the Premier League has only increased Arsenal's appetite for further progress.

"It's certainly the ambition of the club and the owners to be the best club in the world," Arteta said.

The Spaniard believes reaching that level requires excellence throughout the organisation, from Arsenal's facilities and stadium to their supporters and playing squad.

"You need the best squad and the best players in the world," he added, explaining that elite players can make the difference in the decisive moments of major matches.

Arsenal have already strengthened with players including Christian Tzolis and Bruno Guimaraes, while Piero Hincapie's move has been made permanent.

Their summer spending stands at £143.5m across four signings, according to the source, and further additions remain possible.

Arsenal enter the new campaign as favourites to retain their crown, with their status strengthened by Sunday's 3-0 Community Shield victory over Manchester City.

Arteta is comfortable with those expectations.

Rather than focusing on predictions, he said his priority is seeing the same "fire" and desire from his players to improve every day.

There is also history for Arsenal to overcome. The club have not successfully defended an English top-flight championship since the 1990s, giving Arteta's squad another significant target.

The manager believes they have the ambition and conviction required to challenge again, describing the situation as an opportunity rather than a burden.

Chief executive Richard Garlick has also indicated that Arsenal could remain active during the final weeks of the transfer window.

The standard for new arrivals has changed following Arsenal's rise. Instead of simply adding squad depth, Garlick says prospective signings now need to "change the dial" and take the team forward.

Arsenal missed out on Vinicius Junior after the Brazilian committed his future to Real Madrid, while the Gunners are interested in Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez.

Garlick acknowledged that recruiting at this level is difficult because Arsenal are now searching within a much smaller group of players capable of immediately improving a Premier League-winning squad.

"If the right opportunity arises, then we will look to strengthen in all areas," he said.

That approach reflects Arsenal's position after winning the league and reaching the Champions League final. The objective is no longer simply to close the gap to Europe's leading sides, but to sustain that level and push beyond it.

Arsenal's immediate focus turns to Coventry as Arteta's side begin the defence of their Premier League title on Friday night.

Transfer business could continue alongside that challenge. With the window still open for another couple of weeks, Arsenal are prepared to act if a player becomes available who meets their increasingly demanding recruitment criteria.

Their pursuit of another elite attacker will therefore remain an important storyline as Arteta attempts to turn last season's breakthrough into sustained domestic and European success.

Can Arsenal defend their Premier League crown and establish themselves as the best club in world football? Have your say.