Mikel Arteta hints at Arsenal approach with response to Rodrygo transfer question

Arsenal manager insisted the club needs to be looking at the best players in the as they seek an elusive trophy next season, following a question about links with Real Madrid's Rodrygo. He stopped short of naming any of the stars linked with the club, but recognised more firepower is required.

international Rodrygo is among the options touted on the left, as is and Spain star Nico Williams. There have also been calls for a new striker to move to the Emirates Stadium, with , Alexander Isak and Benjamin Sesko all put forward as potential recruits.

“If you want to win major trophies, you have to be the best in the market, no?" Arteta told reporters ahead of the final weekend of the season. "The teams that win always have the best players.

“I wouldn’t like to name a player, but there is pride because we have brought the club into a position that next season people are saying: ‘You have to win a major trophy.’ And that means that everybody believes, and that we are an elite team in this country and in Europe. The biggest statement is that is there.

“What is clear with the amount of injuries that we had in the front line is that we need a goal threat and we need firepower. Understanding that the context can change tomorrow, we cannot rely just on the numbers that we had before. We have to add goals, creativity, and we have to add numbers, and that will be in different positions.”

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Arsenal's 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons ended with the Gunners posting their two best ever goal tallies. There has been a drop-off this season, though, with 67 goals from 37 games so far compared to 91 in 38 last term.

Part of the issue has been a damaging injury list, with Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus and all absent for long periods. Arteta's side have arguably been exposed for a lack of depth in attack, and more quality in the positions targeted by the club is likely to be welcome among supporters.

Arteta has recognised the backing he has received from Arsenal's board in the past, and the upcoming window's business will take place with new sporting director Andrea Berta overseeing transfers. Writing in the programme ahead of the final home game of the season last weekend, co-chair Josh Kroenke pointed to Berta's arrival when outlining plans to help Arteta bolster his squad further.

"We plan to invest to get behind winning and doing better next season," Kroenke said. "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."

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