Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has disclosed that sporting director Edu and his recruitment team are ‘working hard’ to secure new arrivals this summer.
So far, the Gunners have not added any new faces to their squad for the upcoming season, only converting goalkeeper David Raya’s loan from Brentford into a permanent transfer. However, Italy center-back Riccardo Calafiori is reportedly close to joining, having been left out of Bologna’s pre-season squad. Euro 2024 standout Nico Williams is also rumored to be a target, and the club is considering bringing in a new striker.
During a press conference in the United States, where Arsenal is preparing to face Bournemouth in Los Angeles, Arteta acknowledged the absence of new updates but emphasized that efforts to strengthen weaker areas of the squad are ongoing.
“We know there are certain positions that we want to improve and give the squad better resources, especially in terms of numbers where we are very short,” Arteta explained. “We will try our best, but the main thing is to focus on falling in love with the players we have and make them better.”
This means Arteta has started pre-season with the same squad as the 2023/24 season. Although he would prefer to have new recruits finalized earlier – “From day one, I’d have everyone. That would be my choice” – there is still optimism.
“I don’t know [if new signings will join the squad on tour]. There’s still a lot to go in the window. Edu, the board, and everyone at the club are working hard,” he said.
Arsenal has three matches scheduled in the United States before the end of July, facing Manchester United and Liverpool in LA and Philadelphia, respectively, after the Bournemouth friendly. They will then return to North London for two more pre-season warm-ups against Bayer Leverkusen and Lyon.
