Mikel Arteta reveals Arsenal have already planned 'unprecedented' summer transfer window to go to 'next level'
MIKEL ARTETA says Arsenal are already planning an 'unprecedented' summer transfer window to help take the club to 'next level'.
The Spaniard took charge in December 2019 and guided the Gunners to FA Cup success last season.
This campaign has been a much tougher challenge, with the club currently tenth and eight points off the top four.
After last week’s comeback against Benfica, the Europa League remains their only realistic chance of glory this term and the best hope of qualifying for the Champions League.
Despite that, Arteta has revealed that the wheels are already in motion for when the transfer window re-opens in order to elevate the North London side back into a top force.
However, he admits a lot will depend on how his team end the season and if they have Champions League football to offer.
Arteta said: “We are planning what's going to happen in the summer. It will depend on where we finish, how we finish.
“I think what we have to do in the summer is unprecedented for a club of this stature.
“To do the amount of transactions that we have to make it tells you as well where we are.
“I think it was very much needed and you want to improve, you want to do that.
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“It's where you have things in the house and you believe that you can improve on it.
“Externally acquiring players to go to the next level. Everything is planned and let's see what the market can bring and what the last few months can bring to the club.”
On the prospect of missing out on European football, Arteta added: “It's not a possibility it's our reality. We have to be judged on that and I think it's a fair judgement when people want to do it.
“I think the option to be in Europe is still available through two different paths and we have to maximise that as much as possible because the clubs' history is not just related to the Europa League in recent years but the Champions League and obviously anything that is not at that level is disappointing.”
Arsenal have reportedly already made a transfer enquiry to Celtic for striker Odsonne Edouard to replace Alexandre Lacazette.
They have also been linked with Wigan’s hotshot striker Kyle Joseph.
And Inter Milan’s youngster Martin Satriano has 'admitted' that he's 'flattered' by rumoured interest from Arsenal and Chelsea.
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