Mikel Arteta insists Arsenal must win a major title to cement their progress, despite recent improvements and new signings. He emphasizes the importance of silverware to validate the team’s transformation and solidify their place among Europe’s elite.
Mikel Arteta has issued a clear mandate: Arsenal needs to secure a major title to validate the club's significant transformation under his leadership. While acknowledging the substantial strides made in recent seasons, the Gunners' boss insists that lifting silverware is the essential next step.
Arsenal's recent campaigns have showcased consistent improvement. The team secured a second-place finish in the Premier League for the third year running and reached the Champions League semi-finals for the first time since 2008. However, Arteta is adamant that these achievements, while commendable, must translate into tangible success.
“I give my passion, my energy, my knowledge and everything I have to give to this club,” Arteta told ESPN Brasil. "I believe we have transformed this club from where it was to where it is today.”
To further bolster the squad for the 2025-26 season, Arsenal has been active in the transfer market, acquiring talents like Viktor Gyokeres, Martin Zubimendi, and Noni Madueke. These additions are intended to inject more quality and depth into the team, increasing their chances of competing on all fronts.
Despite winning the FA Cup in his first season in charge in 2020, Arteta has not been able to add further trophies to the club's cabinet. This lack of silverware has fueled the desire to achieve a more significant triumph.
He insisted that Arsenal must win a major title to show their progression over the past few seasons. "In terms of performance, when we look at the last three years of the Premier League, we are the team that has scored the most points. But we still need to win a major title. That's what we're missing, because the rest is done.”
Arteta emphasizes that a major title win would not only represent an important milestone but also validate the club's resurgence on the European stage. He believes the team is now among Europe's elite, but it needs that trophy to confirm its place. “The connection with the fans has changed, there's no doubt that Arsenal is one of the best teams in Europe at the moment, but we still need to seal that achievement."
The Arsenal manager recognizes the competitive landscape of modern football. He acknowledges the level of the teams in the league in general. "It's going to be an exciting season, just look at the level of all the teams, of the league in general.”
Arteta understands the weight of expectations and the necessity for Arsenal to convert their progress into silverware. With strategic acquisitions and a focused approach, he seeks to bring a major title back to the Emirates Stadium, solidifying Arsenal's status among Europe's top clubs and rewarding the loyalty of its passionate fanbase.