Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has challenged his players and the club to improve further despite the progress made under his leadership, insisting that significant gaps remain between the team and its ultimate ambitions.
Arteta’s comments come as Arsenal prepare to begin the 2026/27 season after a campaign that brought major success but also left the club wanting more on the European stage.
Arsenal won the Premier League last season, ending a 22-year wait for the English title, but narrowly missed out on the Champions League after losing the final to Paris Saint-Germain on penalties.
With a new season approaching, Arteta said the club must recognise both the progress already achieved and the margins that remain for improvement.
His comments reflect the expectations that now surround an Arsenal side that has moved from rebuilding under Arteta to competing for the biggest trophies in domestic and European football.
The club has continued to strengthen the squad during the summer.
Arsenal’s recruitment has included Bruno Guimarães from Newcastle United, Christos Tzolis and goalkeeper Illan Meslier, while the club continues to assess areas where further improvement may be possible.
Arteta has also welcomed the return to fitness of several important players.
Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka and Martin Zubimendi were all declared available for the Community Shield after returning to training following their World Cup-related breaks.
The manager also provided an update on Jurrien Timber, who is recovering from a groin injury.
Arteta said Timber was progressing well but remained several weeks away from returning fully to group training. William Saliba, meanwhile, remained sidelined with a back injury.
The challenge for Arsenal is therefore no longer simply about proving that the club can compete for the Premier League.
The standard has changed.
After winning the league and reaching the Champions League final, Arsenal are now expected to convert progress into sustained dominance.
Arteta has repeatedly emphasised the need for improvement, and the club’s recruitment reflects that ambition.
Arsenal’s financial and commercial growth has also increased expectations.
The club reported record revenue of £691 million last year, placing it among Europe’s biggest football operations.
That financial strength is helping support an increasingly ambitious sporting project.
But Arteta knows that investment alone does not guarantee trophies.
The next stage requires greater consistency, stronger competition for places and the ability to perform at the highest level when the margins are smallest.
Arsenal’s season begins with a Community Shield meeting with Manchester City, offering Arteta an immediate opportunity to measure his squad against one of the country’s strongest teams.
The manager’s message is therefore clear: Arsenal have come a long way, but the destination remains beyond what they have already achieved.