Arsenal Need A Prestigious Title To Secure A Place In Europe's Elite Ranks

JAKARTA - Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said his team is now one of the best in Europe and only needs one prestigious trophy to secure their place among elite clubs.

Arteta has brought Arsenal to the FA Cup trophy and two Community Shield trophies in seven years of his tenure at the club. He also led the team to finish second in the last three seasons of the Premier League.

Although he has not won the main trophy so far under his care, the Spaniard believes Arsenal is still a transformed club since he first took over.

"I give my passion, energy, knowledge, and everything I have for this club. I believe we have changed this club from before to what it is today."

"In terms of performance, if we look at the last three years of the Premier League, we are the team that scored the most points."

"However, we still need to win a prestigious title. That's what we missed because the rest is over."

"Relations with supporters have changed, no doubt that Arsenal is one of the best teams in Europe right now, but we still need to make sure of that achievement," Arteta told ESPN Brazil.

Arteta and Arsenal have spent a lot of money this summer to strengthen the team. At its peak, they signed Viktor Gyokeres for 63 million euros, after landing Noni Madueke, Martin Zubimendi, Christhian Mosquera, Christian Norgaard, and Kepa goalkeeper Arrizabalaga for a total transfer of more than 200 million euros.

"It was a summer where we had the opportunity to rest and relax. It was also a summer where we worked hard, where we could recruit new players to have a bigger and more quality squad."

"This will be an interesting season, just look at the level of all teams, the league in general," said Arteta.

Arsenal's star signings in the transfer market this summer are Gyokeres. Strikers are positions that are often plagued by injuries during Arteta's club coaching. Thus, midfielder Mikel Merino was plotted in front lines for the past part of last season.

Gyokeres scored 54 goals in all competitions for Sporting CP season 2024/2025. Arteta believes he can maintain his form in the new season with Arsenal.

"We (have) brought in special players. If you look at the statistics, it really impresses what he has done in recent years. Second, we need to improve the area in our squad."

"Last season we suffered injuries to important players, who were absent for four or five months. At this level, it cannot be maintained."

"Now, given all these contexts, we need players who have personalities to withstand the pressure to wear that uniform and play on the pitch with all that. Viktor has all that," said the coach.

After going through two Premier League games, Gyokeres has contributed two goals. Both of them created when Arsenal beat Leeds United 5-0 on August 23, 2025.

The Gunners are also still perfect. In the Premier League opener against Manchester United, they won 1-0.