Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says the Gunners are confident that the 2025/26 season will finally deliver major silverware, as the club seeks to build on years of near success.
Since lifting the FA Cup in 2019/20, Arteta’s first season in charge, Arsenal have consistently fallen short—finishing second in the Premier League for three consecutive seasons and reaching the Champions League semi-finals last term for the first time since 2009.
With pressure mounting, Arsenal have responded with a massive £200 million ($266 million) investment during the transfer window. New arrivals include striker Viktor Gyokeres, midfielders Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard, centre-back Cristhian Mosquera, winger Noni Madueke, and goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga.
In his pre-match notes ahead of Wednesday’s pre-season friendly against Villarreal, Arteta expressed strong optimism.
“We know what our targets are and what we want to achieve this season — there is a big belief in our ability to achieve that,” he said.
“We have been very, very close the last few seasons and the whole team is going to determine whether we achieve that or not.”
The Spaniard stressed the importance of maintaining high standards internally, noting that “internal demands must exceed external expectations” for the team to finally get over the line.
Arteta also called on fans to play their part by making the Emirates Stadium a fortress.
“We want our people to start connecting with our players straight away… to feel that at home we are invincible,” he said.
“That we play here with such passion, energy, and connection with our people, that we are going to win the game.”
Arsenal kick off their Premier League campaign with a high-stakes clash away to Manchester United on August 17, hoping to set the tone for what could be a landmark season.
