Tottenham's recent Europa League triumph has intensified the spotlight on Arsenal's quest for silverware, but Arteta remains focused on strengthening his squad to compete at the highest level.
Tottenham ended their 17-year wait for a trophy on Wednesday, with Brennan Johnson's solitary goal securing a 1-0 victory over Manchester United in the Europa League final in Bilbao.
Despite Spurs' success, Arteta avoided direct comparisons when asked if their rivals had outshone Arsenal this season. "I don't like to compare with other teams," Arteta said. "I focus on my team." He added, "Yeah, congratulate them. They are champions, and when you get to that, you have to do a lot of things right. They have had a lot of difficulties, you have to congratulate."
Arsenal's campaign saw them exit the Champions League against Paris Saint-Germain, leaving Arteta trophyless since his 2020 FA Cup triumph in his debut season. However, a 1-0 win over Newcastle, sealed by Declan Rice's strike, confirmed their place in next season's Champions League, providing a platform for a bold transfer strategy.
The Gunners have already secured a major coup, agreeing to pay Real Sociedad's 51 million pounds release clause for midfielder Martin Zubimendi, who is expected to bolster their midfield. Attention has now turned to the attack, with Sporting CP's prolific striker Viktor Gyokeres emerging as a prime target.
Reports from Portugal indicate Arsenal are close to finalizing a 55 million pounds deal for the 26-year-old Swede, who scored 53 goals this season to help Sporting clinch the Primeira Liga title. "Arsenal have struck a deal with Sporting to land the talisman," Portuguese outlet O Jogo reported.
Arteta dismissed rumours of a rift with Berta over transfer priorities, despite earlier suggestions he favored RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko over Gyokeres. "He's a very big contributor, his experience and the fact that he has already won," Arteta said of Berta. "The way it is built in him I think is exceptional. He's going to be a key player in driving us forward."
Adding intrigue, Arsenal have entered the race for Real Madrid's dynamic winger Rodrygo. German journalist Florian Plettenberg revealed on X that the Gunners are "seriously considering" a move for the 24-year-old Brazilian, with talks underway.
Real Madrid are reportedly open to offers around 67 million pounds. Arteta expressed his pride in Arsenal's ability to attract such high-caliber talents, stating, "The biggest thing is that we have brought the club into a position where it is now 'You have to win a major trophy.'"
As the summer window approaches on June 1, Arsenal's proactive approach signals their intent to challenge for major honours. With Zubimendi's arrival imminent and Gyokeres and Rodrygo in their sights, Arteta's vision for a revitalized squad is taking shape, setting the stage for an electrifying 2025/26 season.
Liverpool have reportedly launched an audacious move to secure Bayer Leverkusen's star midfielder Florian Wirtz, outpacing rivals Bayern Munich in the race for the German sensation's signature.
Real Madrid have announced that captain Luka Modric will leave the club after the FIFA Club World Cup, starting 18 June in the United States, ending an iconic era.
Barcelona's interest in Liverpool's star winger Luis Diaz has reignited, with sporting director Deco addressing speculation about a potential move to the Nou Camp.
Newcastle United have firmly rebuffed Liverpool's approach for their talismanic striker Alexander Isak, signaling their intent to keep the Swedish star at St James' Park, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
