"You have to keep digging, digging, digging... because one day the gold will be there. That's what I was taught and believe," Arteta said on 15/8 in a press conference before the match against Man Utd in the first round of the Premier League. "Over the past three seasons, we have earned more points than any other team in this league. Now we have to do it again, with more points or at least the same, but with a better goal difference this season."

Mikel Arteta directs an Arsenal training session on 15/8. Photo: Arsenal FC

Mikel Arteta directs an Arsenal training session on 15/8. Photo: Arsenal FC

However, Arteta's statement wasn't entirely accurate. In the last three Premier League seasons, Man City earned the most points (251), followed by Arsenal (247) and Liverpool (233). The Gunners finished second in all three seasons, twice behind Man City and once behind Liverpool.

In his 7 years at the Emirates, Arteta has led Arsenal to one FA Cup and two Community Shields. Despite this, the Spanish manager believes the club has been completely transformed since he took over. "The connection with the fans has changed, without a doubt. Arsenal is now one of the best teams in Europe, but we still need that final push – a major title," he said.

This summer, the Emirates spent over 250 million USD to recruit 5 new players: goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, defender Christhian Mosquera, midfielders Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard, and forward Viktor Gyokeres.

Viktor Gyokeres celebrates a goal in Arsenal's 3-0 win against Bilbao at the Emirates Stadium, London, England, on 9/8/2025. Photo: Arsenal FC

Viktor Gyokeres celebrates a goal in Arsenal's 3-0 win against Bilbao at the Emirates Stadium, London, England, on 9/8/2025. Photo: Arsenal FC

Gyokeres, signed from Sporting for a total fee of 86 million USD, is expected to solve Arsenal's attacking issues, which were hampered by long-term injuries last season. At times, with both Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz sidelined, Arteta had to deploy fellow Spaniard Mikel Merino as a center-forward.

"We've brought in a special player with impressive stats and the resilience to handle the pressure of playing for Arsenal," Arteta commented, adding that Arsenal are still looking to strengthen their squad in the final weeks of the summer transfer window.

Another key factor that could determine Arsenal's season is the performance and role of captain Martin Odegaard. Legend Tony Adams stated that Arsenal would struggle to win the title with Odegaard as captain and called for Declan Rice to be given the armband. However, Arteta revealed that the players voted almost unanimously to retain the captain from 2022.

"My opinion is clear, and not just mine, but the entire coaching staff's and especially the players'," the 43-year-old manager explained. "I asked them to vote for the captain and received the results yesterday: an overwhelming majority chose Odegaard. That's the clearest indication of who they want to lead, support, and represent the team on the pitch."

Compiled by Hong Duy