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4 months ago
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Mikel Arteta has admitted upgrades are needed across his squad if Arsenal are to win the Premier League as the club close in on signing Riccardo Calafiori.
The Gunners play Bournemouth and Manchester United this week in Los Angeles, before facing off against Liverpool in Philadelphia next week in their US pre-season tour.
'We have to (improve),' he said. 'Perfection in this league requires different standards to relate that word to winning the Premier League, and that's what we have to do.
'We need to upgrade in everything we are doing. We have to improve in every area and that is what we are trying to do.'
When asked about versatile Bologna defender Calafiori, whose move could be sealed this week, Arteta said: 'No, unfortunately not (an update) but obviously we know there are certain positions that we want to improve and give the squad better resources in terms of numbers where we are short, but we will try our best.'
Mikel Arteta admitted upgrades are needed if Arsenal are to win the Premier League
The club are closing in on a deal for Bologna and Italy defender Riccardo Calafiori
England players Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice and Aaron Ramsdale are not with the squad after being granted extra rest following their Euros final defeat to Spain.
Saka scored his penalty in England's quarter-final victory over Switzerland. It came after missed penalties by Saka, Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford in the Euros final three years prior which was met by a torrent of racial abuse on social media.
The winger's fortitude left the Spaniard relieved.
He said: 'I was very nervous, it plays back in your mind a few years ago that moment but he showed a lot of guts and determination and composure to take it the way he did.
Arteta believes Arsenal must improve in 'every area' as he targets silverware next season
Bukayo Saka's penalty fortitude during England's Euro 2024 campaign left Arteta relieved
'His role is constantly growing and evolving, he is a super important player for us and one of the main players for the national team.'
Though Spain winning the Euros left Arteta with a mixed feeling, as he has England players in his squad.
He added: 'I'm extremely proud of my country. It was a great moment for us to win it again with this (Spain) generation that had to really earn it in the last few years, to get that belief. At the same time sad, because you love your players, and you want the best for them. It was a tough moment for them.'
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