New arrivals often raise expectations of further business before the window closes. Managers who speak positively about remaining targets keep supporters engaged. Versatile defenders become a priority when key players are sidelined for extended periods.
Attacking reinforcements remain on the agenda after high-profile pursuits end without success. Collective responsibility for defensive lapses is emphasised rather than isolated criticism. Immediate energy from recent signings sets the tone in training.
Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Arsenal are still looking to strengthen further in the transfer market after the arrival of Bruno Guimaraes. The Brazil international was unveiled to the Emirates crowd ahead of Sunday’s pre-season match against Borussia Dortmund.
Guimaraes joined for £75million from Newcastle and becomes the club’s third new signing of the summer, following Illan Meslier and Christos Tzolis. Piero Hincapie’s move has also been made permanent. Asked whether fans could expect more arrivals, Mikel Arteta replied: “Well that’s what we’re trying to do. If we have the right player in the market to make us much better, we will look to complete the deal.”
Arsenal remain interested in adding to their attack and want a versatile defender, particularly with Jurrien Timber and William Saliba currently unavailable. Arteta insisted that the three goals conceded against Dortmund and the similar defensive display against Real Betis had not specifically intensified the search for defensive cover.
“I wouldn’t go there just to put it isolated there,” Mikel Arteta said. “We conceded some poor goals the other day, some poor goals today. In the way we competed, especially. But that’s a very collective responsibility. So we need to improve with the players that we have. And we want to improve for sure.”
The Arsenal manager was full of praise for Guimaraes’ early impact. “We see very clearly, especially the energy that he brought immediately to the training ground, the hunger, the desire to come here and create a big history at the club. That’s the ambition that we need.
“We want to go to the next level and I’m very, very much convinced that we’re going to need players with such a personality, desire and character to push everybody inside the organisation to go even higher.”
Guimaraes has already begun training with his new teammates and could be involved against Como on Wednesday before the Community Shield against Manchester City. Supporters will take encouragement from Arteta’s confirmation that more business remains possible. Further updates on potential targets are expected as the window continues.