According to coach Mikel Arteta, Arsenal must plan and execute the perfect summer transfer window to continue competing for the Premier League title next season.
"We have to do everything perfectly, and excel in every aspect we come into contact with and participate in, to be able to create great results at the club. Next season's Premier League will be even more difficult than this season," Arteta said on May 26 at a press conference before the match against Wolves in the final round.
Arteta at London Colney training ground on May 26. Photo: arsenal.com
Arsenal have led the Premier League for 93% of the season and even opened up an eight-point lead over Man City in early April, but have still failed to win the title. The Gunners have lost three of their last five games, as many as they had in their previous 32 games, allowing Man City to overtake them and retain their title.
Arteta believes this has been the toughest season since he arrived in the Premier League in 2005, and Arsenal must have a “really promising plan” to continue competing next season. According to the Spanish coach, the team may have to reflect a bit, take a step back, make sure every decision is right, and come back with determination and a desire to do even better after the summer break.
According to Sky Sports , Arsenal want to strengthen two to three positions in the summer of 2023, with the priority being a central midfielder and a central defender. The targets being targeted include midfielders Declan Rice (West Ham), Moise Caicedo (Brighton) and central defender Edmond Tapsoba (Leverkusen).
Ahead of the final Premier League round of 16, Arsenal are all but certain to finish second and return to the Champions League - their first since the 2016-17 season under legendary manager Arsene Wenger. Arteta has stressed that Arsenal must end the season with a great performance and a home win. He wants to use the game against Wolves to express his gratitude and receive the incredible energy from the fans, and start building for next season.
The Spaniard also used the word "connection" to sum up Arsenal's season. "I think the club has connected, the parts of the club have connected really strongly," Arteta explained. "The fans have connected with the club, with the owners and the rest of the world . And I think we have reconnected with the identity of the club and have to move forward."
Arteta revealed Arsenal will not be holding an end-of-season party. He said: "The team had dinner last week. I imagine a moment on the pitch on Sunday when we have our families and everyone there. It will be a good time to finish the season, look at each other and move on."
The Spanish coach confirmed that William Saliba, Tomiyasu Takehiro, Mohamed Elneny are still out, while Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard and Reiss Nelson are doubtful for this weekend. He refused to comment on the future of Granit Xhaka - the midfielder is said to have agreed to join Leverkusen for a fee of 16 million USD when the transfer window opens.
Hong Duy
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