Mikel Arteta has set Arsenal an ambitious target of becoming the best football club in the world as the Premier League champions prepare to begin their title defence.
The Spaniard believes winning the English top-flight crown is only part of the long-term project at the north London club, with Arsenal now seeking to establish themselves among the elite in world football.
Arsenal ended a 22-year wait for the Premier League title last season and will start their defence against newly promoted Coventry City on Friday.
Arteta, however, is already looking beyond the immediate challenge of retaining the league crown.
“It’s certainly the ambition of the club and the owners to be the best club in the world,” he said.
The Arsenal manager stressed that reaching such a level would require excellence across every aspect of the club, from the squad and players to its facilities, stadium and supporters.
Arteta’s comments underline the scale of Arsenal’s ambitions following their return to the summit of English football.
The Gunners have also strengthened their squad during the summer as they seek to maintain their domestic dominance and compete at the highest level in Europe.
Arsenal’s preparations received an early boost when they defeated Manchester City 3-0 in the Community Shield, raising expectations ahead of the new campaign.
For Arteta, though, success is no longer simply about ending Arsenal’s long wait for major honours. His focus is on creating a club capable of competing consistently for the biggest trophies and establishing itself as a global football powerhouse.
With the Premier League title now secured, the next challenge is to turn Arsenal’s recent resurgence into sustained success.
