Mikel Arteta Issues A Bold Challenge To Arsenal Board Over Transfers

As Arsenal prepare for a pivotal summer transfer window, manager Mikel Arteta has made it clear that firepower is high on his wishlist. In a telling statement, the Spaniard reiterated his desire to build a squad capable of scoring at the highest level — and hinted that a new attacker could be a key piece of the puzzle.

“I told you many times, I made a very clear statement and the statement continues the same,” Arteta said. “I want the best team. If we have three goalscorers over 25 [goals], bring them in.”

It was a direct challenge to the club’s recruitment team and a clear indication of Arteta’s ambitions. Arsenal have enjoyed a strong season overall, but their inability to consistently convert chances in key moments — particularly in the Champions League semi-final against PSG — has sparked debate about whether a new centre-forward is needed to take the team to the next level.

Despite boasting attacking talents like Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and Kai Havertz, Arsenal lack a traditional No.9 who can be relied upon to score 25+ goals in a season. The team has shared the goal-scoring load well across the front line and midfield, but Arteta’s statement suggests he wants more — specifically, elite-level finishing that can make the difference in tight games.

Arsenal’s current top scorers have contributed significantly, but not at the rate of Europe’s deadliest strikers. With rivals like Manchester City, Real Madrid, and even PSG boasting prolific frontmen, Arteta seems determined to close that gap.

His comments also come amid growing speculation about Arsenal’s interest in Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyökeres, who has had a stellar season in Portugal. The Swedish forward fits the mold of a physical, clinical finisher — and reports suggest he is open to a move to North London.

The timing of Arteta’s remarks feels deliberate. By publicly stating his desire for multiple 25-goal scorers, he is both reinforcing internal expectations and subtly applying pressure on the board and sporting director Andrea Berta to deliver reinforcements.

Arteta has never been one to settle. He has overseen a dramatic transformation at Arsenal in recent years, instilling a winning culture and returning the club to Champions League contention. But as he made clear, to take that final step and win the biggest trophies, more firepower is needed.

Whether that means landing a marquee striker, promoting from within, or a combination of both, Arteta’s message is unmistakable: Arsenal need killers in front of goal — and they must be ready to deliver at the highest level.

With the transfer window approaching, the ball is now in Arsenal’s court. Arteta has made his demands clear. The next move could define the Gunners’ trajectory next season.