Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta explained his stance on the number of signings he believes the club need to make this summer, as the Gunners boss bids to go one better after finishing runners-up behind Manchester City in the past two seasons.

“We have to,” said Arteta, when asked if his side have to improve despite two almost flawless campaigns – finishing on 89 points last season, two behind City, and 84 points in 2022-23, five behind Pep Guardiola’s side. “When you are so close you want to grab it.”

Arsenal won 28 of their 38 games last season, the same as eventual champions City, and earned four points in the two league games against their title rivals.

They also finished with the same goal difference as City – +62 – but lost five games compared to their three, with the champions clinching a fourth consecutive title courtesy of two more draws than Arsenal.

“Perfection in this league requires different standards when you relate that word to winning the Premier League and that is what we have to do,” added Arteta.

“There is still a lot of time left in the window and while that is more a question for the board, obviously we know there are certain positions that we want to improve and give the squad better resources in terms of numbers but the main thing is to focus on falling in love with the players we have.”