Two **Arsenal** attackers discussed the preseason preparations of the **Premier League** champions.
The _Gunners_ want to go again after winning the top spot in the English topflight for the first time since **2004** and earning the runners-up position in the **Champions League** final at the end of May.
**'Everybody is ready to compete at the highest level'**
--------------------------------------------------------
**Mikel Arteta** has overseen a trip to Spain as the team's prep ticks off, and they kicked off their camp in the country with [an emphatic 4-1 victory over Girona](https://www.vavel.com/en/football/2026/08/01/arsenal/1267069-four-things-we-learnt-from-arsenal-s-4-1-pre-season-victory-over-girona.html). **Kai Havertz** opened the scoring, picking up from where he left off against **Paris Saint-Germain**, and the forward feels he is in good shape.
_"I think it was a good win. You saw already the connections we had on the pitch. It was a good test for us against a good team, and I think we played strong. We need to continue like that now._
_"Playing games is the best way to get fit and especially for the players. I think they've had a long break now. I think it's important to play a couple of games. I think we're already looking forward to the next one. (My fitness levels) are quite good, to be fair. I feel like I had three weeks off._
_"I think I didn't lose too much, and I feel good, feel strong and I'm ready to go."_
**Tzolis makes his mark**
-------------------------
Meanwhile, **Christos Tzolis** scored the second strike of the afternoon, marking his **unofficial debut** for the _Gunners_ in the right way. He has observed a different standard in this setup after his transfer from **Club Brugge**, and the Greek attacker is eager to contribute towards another successful season.
_"When I see the training and how hungry they are for every training drill, that means everybody is ready to compete at the highest level. When you're a player of_ **_Arsenal_**_, you compete for every title that's possible. It's not only about the_ **_Premier League_**_, it's about all the competitions we're playing for. I see a clear mindset and everything, that everybody is on the same page to win titles here._
_"I saw it from the first training. I think when you train like that in the game, it makes it even better._
_"I came here ready, with my fitness level and I was happy that I could show it here as well. I want to be myself and to show on the pitch all the passion and desire to win because I really like to win games and to give everything._
**Ready from the first day**
----------------------------
_"If I give 100% for every game and every duel, I think who doesn't like this? I think that's the best thing for a football player, and then you will always have the support from the supporters._
_"I'm thinking about how to improve and settle as fast as possible in the club, because I have the opportunity to train directly with the team from the beginning of the season, to play pre-season games and then to go to official games._
_"This is a chance to play directly from the beginning and then it's up to me to show the qualities and what I can bring to the team. I'm pretty confident I will show it in the next games."_