Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has reiterated the need for continued squad improvement despite the club’s imminent signing of Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori.

Speaking during the Gunners’ pre-season tour in the United States, Arteta stressed the importance of “upgrading in everything we are doing” to challenge for the Premier League title.

ISERLOHN, GERMANY - JUNE 26: Riccardo Calafiori of Italy arrives at Hemberg-Stadion prior to the Italy training session on June 26, 2024 in Iserlohn, Germany. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images for FIGC)
ISERLOHN, GERMANY – JUNE 26: Riccardo Calafiori of Italy arrives at Hemberg-Stadion prior to the Italy training session on June 26, 2024 in Iserlohn, Germany. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images for FIGC)

“We have to (improve),” Arteta told journalists. “Perfection in this league requires different standards to relate that word to winning the Premier League, and 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.”

The impending arrival of Calafiori, a versatile defender capable of playing multiple positions, represents a significant step in Arsenal‘s summer transfer plans. While Arteta did not provide specific details on the deal, he acknowledged the club’s efforts to strengthen areas of the squad lacking depth.

“We know there are certain positions that we want to improve and give the squad better resources, especially in terms of numbers where we are very short,” he said. “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.”

Arsenal's English midfielder #41 Declan Rice (R) and Arsenal's Spanish manager Mikel Arteta (L) react on the pitch after the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Everton at the Emirates Stadium in London on May 19, 2024. Arsenal won the game 2-1, but lose out to Manchester City in the title race. (Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal’s English midfielder #41 Declan Rice (R) and Arsenal’s Spanish manager Mikel Arteta (L) react on the pitch after the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Everton at the Emirates Stadium in London on May 19, 2024. Arsenal won the game 2-1, but lose out to Manchester City in the title race. (Photo by ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images)

The Gunners are also reportedly in the market for another backup goalkeeper, with Dan Bentley of Wolverhampton Wanderers emerging as a likely signing despite having already brought in three keepers already.

Additionally, there have been rumours of potential departures from the squad, including Emile Smith Rowe, Eddie Nketiah, and Reiss Nelson. However, Arteta remained coy on any potential outgoings, emphasising the importance of developing existing players.

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 28: Fabio Vieira of Arsenal celebrates with Eddie Nketiah of Arsenal after scoring the team's fourth goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Sheffield United at Emirates Stadium on October 28, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 28: Fabio Vieira of Arsenal celebrates with Eddie Nketiah of Arsenal after scoring the team’s fourth goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Sheffield United at Emirates Stadium on October 28, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

Arsenal‘s pre-season preparations continue in the United States, with matches against Bournemouth, Manchester United, and Liverpool scheduled. Several key players, including England internationals Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, and Aaron Ramsdale, are absent due to their participation in Euro 2024, while Kieran Tierney and Takehiro Tomiyasu are recovering from injuries.

Despite these absences, Arteta expressed confidence in his squad’s depth and the plans in place to reintegrate returning players. He also highlighted the positive atmosphere within the camp and the players’ eagerness to build on last season’s progress.

With the new Premier League season looming, Arsenal‘s ambition to challenge for major honours is evident. Arteta‘s call for further improvement amid ongoing transfer activity indicates that the Gunners are determined to assemble a squad capable of competing at the highest level.