Mikel Arteta says Arsenal need to ‘upgrade’ to compete for Premier League title

He’s already spent £600m since joining

In the last two season Arteta's Arsenal have come closest to toppling title toppers Manchester City who have won the league the last four years in a row.

Despite their best efforts The Gunners have fallen short on both occasions, finishing runners up.

Arsenal have not won the Premier League for two decades when they were last triumphant under Arsène Wenger in the 2003/04 season.

Arteta, who played under Wenger, will be hoping to continue on his Arsenal legacy by bringing the league title back to North London.

However, the 42-year-old has admitted that his time needs improvements across the board if they are to win the league next season, suggesting notably the need for further squad depth.

The Spaniard said: "We have to [improve]. Perfection in this league requires different standards. To relate that word perfection to winning the Premier League then that’s what we have to do .We need to upgrade in everything we are doing. We have to improve in every area and that is what we are trying to do.”

Arteta has been provided with the means to stamp his own identity on his Arsenal squad, spending £600m on the likes of Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Martin Ødegaard.

However, the Gunners have a healthier net spend than many other Premier League teams aiming to get back to the top of the pile like Chelsea and Manchester United.

The club have been heavily linked with Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori who is said to have agreed to join the north London club.

When quizzed about Arsenal's transfer activity Arteta kept his cards close to his chest.

He said: “I don’t know [if anyone will join us]. It’s still a lot of time to go in the window but that’s more of a question for Edu and the board I think. When you are so close you want to grab it. We are very close.”

“We know there are certain positions that we want to improve and give the squad better resources in terms of numbers where we are short. We will try our best but the main thing is to focus on falling in love with the players we have and make them better.”

The Premier League returns on Friday 16 August when Manchester United take on Fulham at Old Trafford.