Arteta Says Arsenal Now Believe They Can End Trophy Drought

Mikel Arteta believes the time has come for Arsenal to finally turn promise into silverware, saying his team is more confident than ever as they prepare for a new season with high expectations.

After three consecutive second-place finishes in the Premier League and a deep 

Champions League run last season, the Arsenal manager insists the Gunners are no longer just hopeful, they believe.

“We know what we’re chasing, and the belief within the group is strong,” Arteta said ahead of their pre-season clash with Villarreal. “We’ve come close, but now it’s about crossing that final line.”

Arteta’s remarks come as the club continues to invest heavily in its title ambitions. Arsenal spent close to £200 million this summer to bring in fresh talent, including Swedish striker Viktor Gyokeres, midfield duo Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard, defender Cristhian Mosquera, winger Noni Madueke, and goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga.

With a deeper and more balanced squad, the pressure is now on Arteta to deliver Arsenal’s first major trophy since the FA Cup in 2020, which he won in his debut season.

The Spaniard acknowledged how narrow the margins have been in recent campaigns but stressed that consistency, focus, and internal standards will be key this time around.

“We have to stay committed to the daily grind,” he said. 

“The expectations outside are high, but our expectations within have to be even higher. That’s the standard we set.”

Beyond tactics and transfers, Arteta also highlighted the importance of the club’s bond with its supporters especially at the Emirates.

“We want our stadium to feel like a fortress,” he said. “When our fans and players connect with that same energy, we become difficult to stop. That feeling of being invincible at home is something we want to build from the very first game.”

Arsenal kick off their Premier League season with a tough opener away at Manchester United on August 17, a match that could set the tone for what Arteta hopes will be a long-awaited title-winning campaign.