Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has revealed that he is still very hurt, having lost the Premier League title to Manchester City last season, and explained that the Gunners need to bolster their team if they have to better their record next season and win the title.

Arsenal topped the Premier League for over 200 days and led Manchester City, their closest challenger, by 11 points at some periods, but it was not enough to secure the title with a game to spare.

While Manchester City won the treble, Arsenal had to be contented with a trophyless season; Arteta tagged Manchester City as the best team in the world, with the best squad in the world, and the best coach in the world.

However, Arteta has revealed the need to sign new players for Arsenal to contest with Manchester City next season as they chase Kai Havertz, Romeo Lavia, Declan Rice, and Moises Caicedo in the summer transfer window.

Arteta said it was imperative to do more signings because he expects next season to be the toughest in Premier League history.

“Next season is going to be the toughest League in Premier League history. Why? It already was last year. I’ve been here [England] for 22 years, and I’ve never seen a competitive level like that. So much quality, so much organization, so many resources, so many good coaches. That’s the level, and to win the Premier League, you have to be the best. That’s why you have to strengthen.” Arteta said.

Arsenal will start their 2023/2024 Premier League season at home to Nottingham Forest on August 12. Manchester City have also been making new signings, with a deal agreed upon for Croatian Josko Gvardiol and Achraf Hakimi from RB Leipzig and PSG, respectively.

Daniel Ademiju Idowu