Mikel Arteta says Arsenal are ‘very ambitious’ in the transfer market, with the Gunners working on a blockbuster deal to sign Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr.
Arteta reveals Arsenal transfer plans amid Vinicius Jr links
Ready to capitalise on a first Premier League title in 22 years (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)
The Spaniard spoke following their inaugural pre-season clash as they faced Girona in a convincing 4-1 victory with Kai Havertz, Christos Tzolis, Max Dowman and Gabriel Jesus getting on the scoresheet.
They are reportedly closing in on an £80 million move for Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimaraes but the news which has stolen the headlines has been the potential arrival of Vinicius Jr who is yet to agree a new contract at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Two potential arrivals reflecting Arsenal’s intent to retain their Premier League crown, the Gunners are ready to step in with a mammoth offer for the Brazilian forward should he fail to agree new terms.
Making their ambitions clear
Arteta sent a clear message of how they are trying to improve this summer.
“We are really active, trying to improve and evolve the team which is clear,” he said.
"We expect to have movements in the next two weeks because obviously we want to get better like anybody else.
“We are very ambitious in what we want to do.”
The man touted with a big-money switch to the Premier League (Photo By Dennis Agyeman/Europa Press via Getty Images)
The man touted with a big-money switch to the Premier League (Photo By Dennis Agyeman/Europa Press via Getty Images)
Although he gave a wry smile when questioned on whether Vinicius Jr would be heading to north London, Arteta was keen to acknowledge how they are desperate to capitalise on such a successful season.
“We have even more responsibility and more ambition than before,” the 44-year-old outlined after winning the title.
“We know what is ahead, we know the qualities and capacity we have to compete with any other team but we need to prove that we belong at this level.”
Dominating in their first pre-season outing
The off-field activity in recent times has perhaps overshadowed an impressive performance against a side relegated from La Liga last term.
Although a handful of players including Declan Rice, Gabriel and David Raya are yet to return following their nations’ progression to the latter stages of the FIFA World Cup, the Gunners showed several promising signs, particularly with their attacking fluidity.
Returning to his homeland, Arteta was pleased with his side’s performance.
“It was great,” he said.
"Obviously, it was a different summer in terms of the time off that we had.
An assured performance in Spain (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)
An assured performance in Spain (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)
“Last week, we played a game in-house (a 3-0 victory over MK Dons) and I was really pleased with that and today I saw things that make me very happy.
Dowman’s rise and Tzolis’ debut
A 16-year-old Dowman broke onto the scene in Arsenal’s pre-season tour of south-east Asia last summer and he registered a goal and an assist against Girona.
When questioned whether he can play a more regular role in the forthcoming campaign, Arteta believes he is relishing his opportunities.
“That’s what we want,” the former Manchester City assistant said.
“When you play for Arsenal, expectations should be very high and we expect really good things.
“We want him to be more consistent in terms of the performances and actions that he can deliver but I think today he had a good game.”
Tzolis netted the second with a composed finish into the corner, a debut goal following a £34 million move from Club Brugge.
Netting on his Gunners bow (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Netting on his Gunners bow (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
The ex-Norwich City forward has clearly caught the eye already and appears the natural successor to fan favourite Leandro Trossard, who has signed for Besiktas.
“First of all, the way he has adapted to the club, to the team, the connections are already there with the boys,” Arteta said.
“I think you are going to love the player, a player who is very direct, he has really good linking up.
“He has a lot of similarities with Leo (Trossard) in a lot of the things he can do, the spaces he can occupy and the work rate that he has.
“He is a boy who comes with so much hunger and wants to prove this is a dream for him and we are here to help him.”