Arsenal have taken the rare step of confirming they expect to make more signings in a statement on the club's official website, addressing a summer window that has so far been frustrating for supporters.
The Gunners have only recruited Greece international winger Christos Tzolis, effectively a replacement for Leandro Trossard, and back-up goalkeeper Illan Meslier. They were beaten by Chelsea to the signing of Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa and have so far failed to secure a deal for Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes.
Official statement promises more additions
In an article previewing Saturday's friendly against Girona, Arsenal wrote: 'Two new signings have also joined the group this pre-season – goalkeeper Illan Meslier and forward Christos Tzolis – with more expected to sign before the end of the transfer window.'
Mikel Arteta added in an interview with Arsenal.com: 'A lot is happening. We all know about the context of this transfer window. From ownership to the board, the sporting director and myself, we know that we want to take this club to a different level. That is going to require a better squad, better individuals. We have identified where we have opportunities to grow and to improve and to evolve our game and what is going to be needed to achieve that. Hopefully very soon we can start to put things in a very concrete way.'
Vinicius Junior speculation dismissed
Despite links to Real Madrid's Vinicius Junior, Arsenal privately concede they only have a limited chance of persuading the Brazilian to swap Madrid for north London. Julian Alvarez remains at Atletico Madrid having stated his preference for Barcelona.
Arteta also expressed confidence in his current squad: 'One hundred per cent. This has to be the start and this has to be the standard. Excellence has to be our standard and this has to drive to attack the future. The way we behave daily with more and more determination and ambition because we've shown that we've got it. Now we have to show that we belong to this level and we want to increase and take this football club to a different dimension.'
