Mikel Arteta aims for Premier League title with Arsenal, stressing that Champions League qualification alone is not enough for his ambitious squad.

• Mikel Arteta targets Premier League title with Arsenal, despite securing Champions League qualification
• Arsenal will face Chelsea at the Emirates in a crucial match for their title hopes
• William Saliba remains sidelined with a back injury and will not feature against Chelsea

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has set his sights on the Premier League title, stating that securing a spot in the Champions League is not enough for his ambitious squad. The Gunners have already confirmed their return to Europe’s elite competition for the first time since the 2016-17 season, but Arteta is eager for more success.

Manchester City currently sit at the top of the table, one point ahead with a game in hand after their 4-1 victory over Arsenal and subsequent 2-1 win against Fulham.

However, Arteta believes the title race is far from over, with Arsenal having a chance to regain the top spot with a win over Chelsea at the Emirates on Tuesday.

Speaking at his pre-Chelsea press conference, Arteta expressed his pride in the team’s achievement but emphasised the desire for more. “I am incredibly proud and thankful to everyone who has contributed to bringing Champions League football back to this club with five or six games to go,” he said.

“It is something that hasn’t happened in over a decade in this football club.”

The Arsenal boss also highlighted the squad’s determination to aim higher. “So congratulations, but also thank you for still being upset and not accepting that Champions League is not enough and we want more because this squad is going to demand to get what we want,” Arteta added.

With five games remaining in the season, the Gunners have their eyes firmly set on the Premier League title. Arteta urged his players to put their recent loss to Manchester City behind them and focus on their upcoming London derby against Chelsea.

In team news, Arteta confirmed that defender William Saliba will be unavailable for the Chelsea clash, as he continues to recover from a back injury that has sidelined him for the last six matches.

“He is not going to be involved tomorrow,” Arteta said. “We have to wait to the next game to see where we are are. He hasn’t improved this week at all.”

What else did Mikel Arteta say?

Here is an overview of the are the key points from Mikel Arteta’s pre-Chelsea press conference:

• Arteta urges players to move on quickly from Manchester City defeat
• Pride in players for Champions League qualification
• Arteta acknowledges the need for more success
• Saliba injury update: not involved against Chelsea
• Extra days between games benefit the players
• Arteta emphasises winning mentality at Arsenal
• Pressure is on Manchester City in title race
• Arteta not settling for second place
• Arteta not taking Chelsea’s recent form for granted
• Importance of regaining composure during games
• Chelsea’s spending doesn’t guarantee success
• Arteta praises people at the club for successful recruitment
• Arteta’s unwilling to label season a success
• The desire exists to be in a similar position next season