Mikel Arteta challenges Arsenal to reach ‘different dimension’ after title triumph

Mikel Arteta has challenged Arsenal to reach "a different dimension" after ending the club's 22-year wait for the Premier League title, while making it clear he wants further strengthening before the new season.

The Gunners finally lifted the Premier League trophy after three consecutive runner-up finishes, but Arteta insists Arsenal cannot afford to stand still if they are to establish themselves among Europe's elite.

His comments come as Arsenal continue to pursue several high-profile transfer targets this summer.

Reflecting on Arsenal's title-winning campaign, Arteta said the club must use last season as the foundation for even greater success.

"This has to be the start and this has to be the standard," Arteta told the Arsenal app.

"Excellence has to be our standard... we want to increase and take this football club to a different dimension."

The Spaniard believes maintaining elite standards every day will be crucial if Arsenal are to defend their Premier League crown and challenge again in Europe.

Arteta's comments come as Arsenal remain linked with several marquee signings.

The Gunners continue to monitor Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior, although any move depends on the Brazilian's contract situation in Spain.

Atlético Madrid striker Julián Álvarez also remains on Arsenal's shortlist, while Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimarães continues to be a priority target after months of interest.

Those names underline Arsenal's ambition to build a squad capable of sustained success at the highest level.

Arteta stressed that maintaining discipline and commitment throughout the season will be just as important as any new arrivals.

"My ambition is that daily we nail the standards and the requirements on the day to be better the following day," he said.

"If we all achieve that, we are going to be in a really strong position in May."

Several key players, including Bukayo Saka, Martin Ødegaard and Declan Rice, are still due to return after extended breaks following the FIFA World Cup.

Arteta also described Arsenal's Premier League trophy parade as the greatest football experience of his career.

The manager praised the connection between the players and supporters, saying it represented the culmination of years of rebuilding the club's identity.

He called the celebrations "a day that I will never forget in my life."

Winning the Premier League has not reduced Arsenal's ambition. Arteta wants the club to build on last season's success through elite recruitment and relentless standards, with Arsenal determined to remain at the top of English football while challenging for the Champions League.

Arsenal will continue their pre-season preparations while pushing to strengthen Arteta's squad before the transfer window closes, with several major transfer targets still under consideration.