Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta has admitted that the club must sign the best players to improve their squad in the summer transfer window.
The Gunners will end another disappointing campaign without a trophy for the fifth consecutive year after finishing second in the last three seasons in the Premier League.
Arsenal crashed out of the Champions League against PSG in the semi-finals and they failed to mount a credible title fight against Liverpool.
They have been linked with a move for Real Madrid forward, Rodrygo, Arteta admitted that the club must strengthen the team with quality players.
He said: “If you want to win major trophies, you have to be the best in the market, no? The teams that win always have the best players.
“I wouldn’t like to name a player, but there is pride because we have brought the club into a position that next season people are saying: ‘You have to win a major trophy.’ And that means that everybody believes, and that we are an elite team in this country and in Europe. The biggest statement is that Arsenal is there.”
Arteta highlighted what the club must address in the transfer window while also declaring his wish for Thomas Partey to remain at the club.
He said: “What is clear with the amount of injuries that we had in the front line is that we need a goal threat and we need firepower. Understanding that the context can change tomorrow, we cannot rely just on the numbers that we had before.
“We have to add goals, creativity, and we have to add numbers, and that will be in different positions.
“In regards to Thomas, consistency-wise, it’s been his best season. The way he’s played, performed, and his availability have been exceptional. He is a really important player for us.”
Arteta congratulated North London rivals Tottenham for winning the Europa League trophy on Wednesday.
He said: “They are champions, and when you get to that, you have to do a lot of things right. I think they have gone through a season with again a lot of obstacles and difficulties and they have helped them at the end to manage a beautiful moment.”
Arsenal will end their Premier League campaign against Southampton on Sunday.
Arteta concluded: “There’s motivation because you want to have as many points as possible. You are always here representing this club to win and to play in the manner that we want to do.
“We still want to achieve the best defensive record, the Golden Glove is still to play for and finish the season again on a high with a good test and always respecting the competition.”
