Mikel Arteta has confirmed Arsenal expect more transfer activity before the new Premier League season as the champions look to strengthen their squad.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that the Premier League champions are planning further transfer activity before the summer window closes, insisting the club remains determined to strengthen despite already making several additions ahead of the new campaign.
Speaking after Arsenal’s convincing 4-1 pre-season victory over Girona, Arteta admitted he expects movements in the coming weeks as the Gunners continue shaping a squad capable of defending their first league title in 22 years. The Spaniard stressed that standing still is not an option in an increasingly competitive Premier League.
Goals galore in Girona ✨ pic.twitter.com/5jSQ7u1mZg
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) August 1, 2026
While Arsenal have been quieter than rivals Chelsea, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur in the transfer market, the club has continued to be linked with high-profile names, including Newcastle United captain Bruno Guimarães and Real Madrid winger Vinícius Júnior. Arteta declined to comment on specific targets but made it clear that Arsenal are still actively looking to improve.
“We expect to have movements in the next few weeks,” Arteta said. “We want to get better like anybody else. You can see the transfer market and what our opponents are doing. We won’t sit still and we are very ambitious with what we are doing.”
The Arsenal boss believes the difference between success and failure at the top level is becoming increasingly small, making squad depth and internal competition more important than ever. He explained that the club’s priority is identifying areas that can still be improved despite winning the title last season.
Arsenal have already completed the permanent signing of defender Piero Hincapié after his successful loan spell, while goalkeeper Illan Meslier and winger Christos Tzolis have also arrived at the Emirates. However, Arteta’s comments suggest the club’s summer business is far from complete.
With the Gunners set to begin their Premier League title defence at home against newly promoted Coventry City on August 21, Arsenal’s recruitment team now faces the challenge of adding the final pieces to a squad aiming not only to retain the league crown but also compete strongly across every competition this season.
