Arteta makes statement on Arsenal’s summer transfer plans

Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Arsenal still want to make further signings this summer, but he’s admitted it’s not entirely in their control.

Speaking to the media after Arsenal’s friendly match against Como 1907 on Wednesday, Mikel Arteta discussed the club’s transfer business.

“There is more that we want to do, because every time we have an opportunity to improve the squad and bring more quality and depth, we need to do that,” Arteta began. “We’re actively trying to do so – the thing is, in the market, it doesn’t just depend on you, and we’re very clear on that.

“The will and the desire of the club is unquestionable, but we cannot promise that we’re going to do it because it doesn’t only depend on us.”

“For the margins to improve, there are very few players in the market that are available to do that and bring more quality to the club,” Arteta added. “But again, we’re actively looking to improve that and we’re going to try.”

It’s very clear that Arsenal remain in the market for at least one defender and one attacker, with any other business likely to depend on outgoings.

The Gunners are chasing a centre-back to fill in during William Saliba’s injury absence, with Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa generally touted as their priority option. Then they’re also looking at wingers or strikers, having missed out on top target Vinicius Junior.

Arsenal’s new priority forward target is less clear at the moment, with repeated suggestions that the Gunners are interested in a move for Julian Alvarez that is unlikely to come to fruition, but few concrete reports beyond that.

But it’s certainly not unusual for Arsenal to have a lot of outstanding business to do at this stage of the summer. That’s the case across all of the top Premier League clubs at the moment, both in terms of incomings and outgoings.

It’s going to be a very busy final few weeks of the window.

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