Pushing' for Next Step

Arteta believes Gunners are ready to end 2nd-best run with right balance in squad

- Deepanraj Ganesan

Songs and jibes of "nearly men" and "second again" have been aimed at Arsenal by rival fans, after the Gunners finished runners-up for three consecutive campaigns.

Mikel Arteta, the man tasked with turning the perennial bridesmaid into a winning machine, knows more than most that if Arsenal are to silence the doubters, they must finally "make the next step" towards silverware.

Despite showing early promise in the last three seasons, Arteta's men have come up empty each time, with their last major trophy won in 2020.

"The only thing that they were talking about at the end of last season and the first day through the door (this season) is 'OK, how are we going to be better? How are we going to do more?'" said Arteta in an interview with The Straits Times and members of the English press at the National Stadium on July 21.

"We know that we are so close now in two big competitions and we just want to make the next step. There are going to be a lot of details and moments that have to go our way. We have to push for that to happen."

And a big part of that push is showing in the transfer market. Arsenal have splashed out close to €150 million (S$224 million) on four signings: winger Noni Madueke and goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea, and midfielders Christian Norgaard and Martin Zubimendi from Brentford and Real Sociedad respectively.