Transfer target: Arsenal have been linked with a move for Real Madrid winger Rodrygo this summer
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Mikel Arteta believes Arsenal should be in for the “best players”, amid reports they are interested in a deal for Real Madrid star Rodrygo.
Arsenal are in the market for attacking reinforcements this summer and manager Arteta has stressed they need to add “goals” and “creativity” to their squad.
The Gunners have been linked with a string of forwards and most recently Real Madrid winger Rodrygo has been mentioned as a target.
Arteta refused to be drawn on specific targets during his press conference on Thursday morning, but he believes Arsenal should be in the conversation for the game’s top players if the club are to achieve their aim of lifting silverware.
“I mean, if you want to win major trophies, you have to be the best in the market, no? The teams that win have the best players, always, always at this level,” said Arteta.
“I think the biggest thing is that, and using the word pride, is that we have brought the club into a position, into a place that next season: ‘You have to win a major trophy.’
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“That means that everybody believes, that we have the level, that we have shown the consistency, and we are an elite team in this country and in Europe.
“And if you don’t do that, then what’s going to happen? So, for me that’s the biggest statement, that Arsenal is there.”
Arsenal would, ideally, like to sign a striker and wide forward this summer, and the club hold an interest in Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres.
The Gunners have struggled for goals this season, scoring 67 in the Premier League, which is 18 less than champions Liverpool.
Arteta is well aware of Arsenal’s struggles and he wants the club to add more firepower to the squad.
“Well, what we have, what is clear as well with the amount of injuries that we had in the front line, that we need a goal threat and we need the firepower out there,” said Arteta.
“Understanding that the context can change tomorrow, you know, and we cannot rely just on the numbers that we had before.
“And we have to add goals, we have to add creativity, we have to add numbers and that will be in different positions.”
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