Mikel Arteta: Arsenal Won't “Sit Still” In Transfer Window

Mikel Arteta

Arsenal will spend more as Arteta eyes squad evolution. Arteta hints at more Arsenal signings amid links to Guimaraes and Vinicius Jr.

Arsenal add Meslier, Tzolis And Hincapie as Arteta promises more...

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta says he expects more business before the transfer window shuts, with the Premier League champions looking to strengthen as they defend their first English title in 22 years. He made it clear the club won’t “sit still.”  

It’s been a quiet summer for Arsenal compared to rivals like Tottenham, Manchester City and Chelsea, who have spent big. Still, the Gunners have been linked with Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes and Real Madrid winger Vinícius Jr.

Arteta didn’t comment directly on links to Guimaraes and Vinícius Jr, but he told reporters on Saturday that Arsenal are focused on continuing to “improve and evolve” the squad.  

“We expect to have movements in the next few weeks, obviously,” the Spaniard said after Arsenal’s 4-1 pre-season win over Girona.

“We want to get better like anybody else, and you just can see the transfer market and our opponents, what ‌we are doing. We won't sit still and we are very ambitious with what we are doing.

“The margins are very small. Because we want to get better and the level is going to increase. We need to increase the competition internally. We need to make sure we identify the things that we ‌don't have in the team.”

So far, Arsenal have brought in goalkeeper Illan Meslier and forward Christos Tzolis. Defender Piero Hincapie has also made his move permanent after a loan spell at the Emirates last season.  

A four-goal flourish ✊ pic.twitter.com/Vj2mhoWM1v

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) August 1, 2026

The Gunners kick off their Premier League title defence at home against newly-promoted Coventry City on August 21.