Mikel Arteta has urged Arsenal to ‘finish the season in style’ and then ‘nail’ this summer’s transfer window.
Arsenal conclude their Premier League season to home to Wolves this weekend having secured a runners-up finish and Champions League qualification.
The Gunners led the league for much of the season before a late loss in form saw them surrender their lead to Manchester City, but have confirmed a top four finish in the Premier League for the first time since 2015/16.
Arteta has called on his team to end an encouraging season ‘in style’ against Wolves this weekend, as the north Londoners host Julen Lopetegui’s side at the Emirates.
“Now is about finishing the season in style, provide a great performance and victory in front of our people to show our gratitude,” Arteta said at his pre-match press conference.
“We have received a lot of incredible energy, which they’ve given us throughout the season.
“Now is the time to start to build for next season. We have to wrap up [this season] in the best possible way.
“It has been some journey, full of emotions. Looking at it with perspective, there have been a lot of things, not only on the field, that have happened which deserve a lot of credit for a lot of people.”
Arteta discussed his plans for the summer transfer window and said it is important Arsenal ‘nail’ their transfer business. The Gunners have been linked with signing West Ham captain Declan Rice and multiple additions are anticipated ahead of their Champions League return.
🗣️ “We have to nail everything we do and we have to seek excellence in everything we touch and participate in.”
Mikel Arteta says the Premier League is harder than ever and admits Arsenal can’t make ANY mistakes in what they do to compete. pic.twitter.com/6oiNf6nGDN
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) May 26, 2023
“We have to nail everything we do, seek for excellence in everything we touch and participate,” Arteta said on his transfer plans.
“We are looking for people who can have a big impact at the club. Competition will be even harder next season. This season was the hardest in my 22 years.
“In order to do that, we have a promising plan to reflect, take a step back, make sure this is the right one, and go again with more determination and hunger in our tummies to go again.”
This weekend could prove to be Granit Xhaka’s final game for Arsenal, with the Switzerland international expected to sign for Bayer Leverkusen this summer. Arteta, however, refused to confirm whether Xhaka was leaving the club this summer.
“I can’t talk and won’t talk about any future of any players,” he said. “We have to wrap the season up, do what we have to do then plan for next season.”
Arsenal received positive news this week with the announcement that Bukayo Saka has signed a new long-term deal at the club. The 21-year-old has starred this season to 13 goals and provide 11 assists in the Premier League.
“Great news for the club. He has done a great job, like everyone who has participated.
“[Saka is] a crucial player for us. He represents our club in the best possible way. He is part of the plan. At the moment, we are in a strong position to be able to do that.
“We decided he was obviously one of the key players at the club and wanted to secure his future. We are able to do that. He’s extremely happy, and so are we.”
