Arsenal have not been shy in backing Mikel Arteta in the transfer market and the potential signing of Viktor Gyokeres would take his spend to more than £800m - but he believes he needs more
Since Mikel Arteta was appointed at Arsenal he's spent three quarters of a billion pounds on transfers - and is now closing on the potentially defining capture of Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting Lisbon - but believes he's "short of numbers".
The Gunners are in talks to land the Swede, who has scored 97 times in his two seasons in Portugal, marking him out as one of Europe's deadliest finishers. If he does end up moving to the Emirates he would cap an impressive summer of recruitment that has seen the likes of Martin Zubimendi and Noni Madueke join.
And yet despite being backed relentlessly in the market, finishing second three years in a row and spending £123m this summer - a figure that is set to rise - Arteta claims he needs more players at the Emirates.
The Spaniard, who is coming under increased pressure to end a trophy drought that stands at five years, is ready to continue attacking the market in an effort to make the Gunners a silverware-winning outfit.
He said: "There's still a long time in the window and we are seeking still. In terms of numbers, we are short and we have to improve the depth and quality of the squad. We are constantly looking in the market. Until that happens, [we] focus on the players we have - and I'm very pleased with what I have seen in the last 10-15 days."
Arteta and his Arsenal squad are currently in Singapore as part of their pre-season, where some of their new summer arrivals are being put through their paces as they get accustomed to their new environment.
The Gunners boss said on his new signings: "It's like shaking the tree again. New faces... they bring new excitement, new energy as well. We signed very important players as well. I think everybody feels that the heights have to go to different level and it's what we are seeking."
Since Arteta's arrival the club have spent less than the likes of Tottenham, Chelsea and Manchester United. But they have all had numerous managers at the helm and, since Arsenal's FA Cup win in 2020, all have claimed silverware as a result of their investment.
Arsenal's net spend currently has them on par with Tottenham, but that could change with the signing of Gyokeres, who could cost just shy of £65m. Arteta's biggest signing has proved a success with Declan Rice arriving for a club-record fee and delivering on it.
Centre-half Gabriel and captain Martin Odegaard were both bought in under Arteta's watch and have become crucial figures at the Emirates. The quartet of Kai Havertz, Madueke, Ben White and Gabriel Jesus have set the club back more than £200m.
Arteta's comments about a lack of numbers are likely to stir up debate. In attack Gyokeres could bolster a list of forward options that includes Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Havertz, Jesus, Madueke, Leandro Trossard and Ethan Nwaneri.
In midfield, the exit of Thomas Partey is offset by the arrival of Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard. They will compliment the likes of Rice, Odegaard and Mikel Merino. Kepa Arrizabalaga is the third major goalkeeper to be signed by Arteta, who has David Raya as his No 1. Aaron Ramsdale has come and gone during his tenure.
Arsenal icon Thierry Henry confessed at the end of the season that it is fair to question Arteta's lack of return given his investment. He told Stick to Football: "For the last three years, Arsenal have been in a situation where they should have at least brought one cup in or a final.
“Manchester United have played in five finals in the last five years, the United that everyone laughs at, whereas for Arsenal in the last three years of building, they’ve not reached a final.
"So, I do understand when people ask the question: ‘Surely you should compete for a trophy?’ I’m not saying that I’m disappointed with Arsenal, but it’s normal that people are raising questions now about what the team is doing.”