Arteta explains Arsenal’s aims in the final weeks of the transfer window and doesn’t rule out more signings

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has explained the club’s goals in the transfer market and has not ruled out the possibility of more signings arriving.

The Gunners have already brought in Bruno Guimaraes, Christos Tzolis and Illan Meslier, with the signing of Ezri Konsa expected to be announced shortly. Meanwhile, both Leandro Trossard and Christian Norgaard have moved on since the end of last season.

“I think the purpose has to be to be better than we were last year,” said Arteta on the club’s objectives in the transfer market. “Or to be different and to evolve in a different way that can increase our probability of winning again.

“And we have now four players in the squad, probably very soon, that we believe this is going to be the case. And if we can add more, we will try to do that.

“But only if that’s the case, because they are the right reasons to sign, not because of any other reason. Because otherwise, we’re not going to get better and we’re going to regret it.”

Arsenal will kick off their title defence against Coventry City on the opening night of the Premier League season. Arteta has insisted that his side are fully motivated to retain their crown.

The Spaniard maintained: “They don’t need any kicks, I see that. If they need a kick, believe me, they will get a kick. But they don’t need a kick.

“What they need is the realisation of the energy, the desire and the passion to go again this season. It’s certainly there.”

He continued: “Because they got the message immediately, and most importantly, the message came from them.

“Immediately after doing that, they were already talking about what is next and what they want to do. I think they enjoy the company and the journey so much that they want to keep this momentum.”