Arteta reminds Arsenal chief about transfer promise as he sets out summer plans

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has reflected on what is required this summer for the Gunners to improve upon their series of second-place finishes in the Premier League

Mikel Arteta has confirmed Arsenal’s intentions to make moves in the summer that will help them get over the line to win a trophy next season. The Gunners finished runners-up in the Premier League for a third consecutive season.

Arteta watched on from the stands against Southampton alongside Arsenal director Josh Kroenke, son of Stan Kroenke the owner and chairman of Kroenke Sports & Entertainment, the company that owns Arsenal. The Spaniard was suspended for the final game of the season and saw his side earn a 2-1 victory thanks to goals from the departing Kieran Tierney and midfielder Martin Odegaard.

But the Gunners boss wants to kick on again next term to find success. It is widely accepted that the north London side are missing a goalscorer.

It is the first time in 101 years that Arsenal have ended a league season without a player reaching double figures. With Arteta’s side recording 14 draws, only Everton saw more stalemates, a difference-maker may be required.

Arteta does not believe much needs to change with his side, such are the small margins to success. But the former Manchester City coach wants to see his side’s ambitions realised.

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“Josh [Kroenke] has been very clear in the direction and ambition we have,” Arteta said on Sunday. “We’re going to try and see what we can do, make very subtle decisions, and respect what has taken us this far.

“There’s not much improvement. We’ve finished second three times, reached the Champions League semi-finals. There’s that little percentage we need to nail.”

Earlier this month, Kroenke outlined his ambitions for the club in a message to supporters within a programme. “We plan to invest to get behind winning and doing better next season,” he wrote.

“We’re delighted we have our sporting director, Andrea, who will play an important role in this. He is part of a unified and strong team, supported by the board, who are crystal clear on exactly what we need to do and the way in which we want to do it. The right way. The Arsenal way.”

Despite falling short of their targets, Arteta was pleased a win over Southampton offered a fitting farewell for Kieran Tierney. The Scotland international’s contract expires this summer and he will return to boyhood club Celtic.

“We wanted to finish with that positivity, that good atmosphere and vibe,” he said. “We had to say goodbye to a few players and I think they deserved that to happen in a nice environment.”

“He [Tierney] said yesterday “I’m going to score on my last Arsenal match” and he’s done it,” Arteta added. “Very happy with him. He’s been a big part of the journey.”

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