Mikel Arteta says Arsenal have greater attacking strength this season

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta believes his side are better equipped in attack this season, despite the departures of Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus and Leandro Trossard during the summer.

The Gunners added Kostas Tzolis during the transfer window as they looked to strengthen their forward options, and Arteta says he has more attacking players available than he did at the start of last season.

“Is Arsenal stronger offensively this season? That is how I feel, and now we have to prove it,” the Spanish manager said at his news conference.

“I think we are better equipped. I believe we have more players available in attack than we had at the beginning of last season.”

Arteta also urged his players and the club to appreciate the squad they already possess, rather than focusing only on potential additions or targets.

“It is human nature. When you ask people what the things on your wish list are, people write a lot about their wish list,” he added.

“Sometimes we forget the opposite list of wishes, which is the things you already have in your life that are great.”

The Arsenal manager said that principle applied beyond football and stressed the importance of recognising what the club had achieved together.

“It is not only about football; it happens in life as well, and I think it is very important to value what we have,” Arteta said.

“I love our players and I really appreciate what we have and what we have achieved together.”

He acknowledged that Arsenal’s ambitions remained high, but said their priority should be to improve the qualities already present within the club.

“The ambition is big, and our ambition is always to be better, especially to develop the things we already have inside the club and that definitely need to be there,” he said.

“But we cannot overlook what we already have, which is amazing, and we are very fortunate to have it.”

Attack still needs to prove itself

Arteta was more cautious when asked specifically whether Arsenal’s forward line was stronger, insisting that the answer would only become clear once the season had progressed.

“We have to prove in that particular position whether we are better or not. Let’s wait and see,” he said.

The manager also rejected the idea of making predictions before the team had played, arguing that attacking responsibility should not rest solely with the forwards.

“We have to play. I do not favour speculation beforehand,” Arteta added.

“I think it is not only the responsibility of those players, but the responsibility of the team and its dynamics. We have multiple options to play in that position, with different characteristics as well.”

Arsenal have been linked with a move for Argentina international Julian Alvarez, who plays for Atletico de Madrid, although the London club have not made an official offer for the Spanish side’s player.

Arsenal are level at the top of the Premier League with Manchester City after two rounds of matches. They face Chelsea in a London derby on Sunday.