This season, Arsenal is most likely not going to win the Premier League. So, it has to happen next year. In London, they have big plans, and manager Mikel Arteta revealed them ahead of the clash with Fulham.
Arsenal faced Fulham at 20:45 in a highly anticipated Premier League clash, but the match ended in frustration for Mikel Arteta’s men, with Fulham snatching a surprising 2-1 victory at the Emirates Stadium.
Despite controlling possession and creating numerous chances, Arsenal failed to capitalize on their opportunities, allowing Fulham to exploit defensive gaps and secure an unexpected but deserved win.
This result was a blow to Arsenal’s ongoing efforts to cement their place among the Premier League’s elite. However, Mikel Arteta was quick to shift focus to the club’s ambitious future plans, reiterating that this season’s occasional setbacks would not derail their larger project. Arsenal’s rebuild, which began under Arteta’s leadership, has been a gradual process aimed at restoring the club’s status as a title contender.
Since Arteta’s appointment, Arsenal has gone through five transfer windows with a clear strategy: to strengthen the squad while offloading players who are deemed surplus to requirements. Key additions such as Martin Ødegaard, Gabriel Jesus, William Saliba, and Declan Rice have already provided the team with improved quality and balance, but Arteta remains adamant that further reinforcements are essential for the next phase of Arsenal’s evolution.
Speaking at a press conference prior to the Fulham match, Arteta outlined his vision for the club’s upcoming summer transfer window. “But now, as we are about to start again, we want to increase the depth of the squad, but we also want to improve the quality and skills needed to take the next step,” the Spaniard stated with conviction. He emphasized that the goal is not only to improve Arsenal’s starting eleven but also to build a deeper squad capable of competing on multiple fronts, including the Premier League and European competitions.
Arteta’s ambitions are closely aligned with those of Arsenal’s newly appointed sporting director, Andrea Berta, who officially took charge on March 30. Known for his successful tenure at Atletico Madrid, Berta’s expertise in talent identification and squad building is expected to play a pivotal role in Arsenal’s recruitment strategy moving forward. The club’s hierarchy believes that Berta’s arrival marks a turning point in their long-term project, particularly as Arsenal prepares to make significant moves in the transfer market this summer.
According to sources within the club, Arsenal is prioritizing the acquisition of a new central striker and a left winger to provide additional firepower and creativity. The Gunners have struggled at times to break down stubborn defenses, and Arteta is eager to bring in players with the attributes necessary to unlock tight games. Names like Victor Osimhen and Moussa Diaby have been linked with the club, although Arsenal’s management remains tight-lipped about specific targets.
In addition to bolstering their attack, Arsenal is also looking to enhance their midfield options. One of the primary names on their shortlist is Martin Zubimendi, the talented Basque midfielder from Real Sociedad. Zubimendi has impressed with his consistency, tactical intelligence, and ability to dictate play from deep positions. His style of play has drawn comparisons to Sergio Busquets, and Arteta reportedly sees him as the ideal candidate to anchor Arsenal’s midfield for years to come.
However, securing Zubimendi’s signature will not come cheaply. Real Sociedad has made it clear that any suitor must meet the player’s release clause, which is believed to be nearly 61 million euros. Arsenal is weighing up their options and considering how best to allocate their transfer budget, but there is a growing sense within the club that Zubimendi’s quality justifies the expense. Arteta is said to be particularly keen on the Spaniard’s profile, as it fits the style of play he wants to implement at Arsenal.
The defeat against Fulham, although disappointing, has not shaken Arteta’s resolve. Instead, it has strengthened his belief that Arsenal must continue to evolve and improve if they are to challenge the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool on a consistent basis. The manager remains confident that with the right additions, Arsenal can build a squad capable of competing for top honors in the near future.
Arsenal’s ownership, led by the Kroenke family, is reportedly supportive of Arteta’s vision and willing to back him financially in the transfer market. This summer is expected to be one of the most active and ambitious transfer windows in Arsenal’s recent history, with a clear focus on quality over quantity. Arteta has made it clear that he values technical ability, tactical intelligence, and a strong mentality in his recruits, qualities that he believes are essential to building a winning team.
Furthermore, Arsenal’s scouting department has been working tirelessly to identify players who not only possess the necessary skills but also fit the club’s long-term philosophy. Arteta has expressed his desire to build a squad with a blend of youth and experience, capable of playing high-intensity, possession-based football. With young talents like Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli already shining, Arsenal aims to complement their youthful exuberance with seasoned professionals who can add leadership and resilience.
As Arsenal looks ahead to the remainder of the season and beyond, Arteta’s message remains clear: the club is committed to building a team that can consistently challenge for major trophies. The 2-1 defeat to Fulham was a setback, but Arteta sees it as part of the learning process. With Andrea Berta’s arrival and a focused transfer strategy in place, Arsenal is determined to emerge stronger and more competitive than ever.
The pressure will be on Arsenal to deliver results next season, especially with the club’s ambitious transfer plans and heightened expectations from fans. Arteta’s vision for the future is bold, but if Arsenal can successfully execute their plans in the transfer market, they may well be on the path to reclaiming their place among English football’s elite.
