Mikel Arteta issues Arsenal transfer window verdict after Vinicius Jr and Julian Alvarez snubs | OneFootball

Premier League champions were unable to convince top targets to join

Mikel Arteta has insisted he is satisfied with how Arsenal approached the summer transfer window.

The Gunners wanted to make a marquee signing in attack after identifying the left wing as a position that could be significantly upgraded.

Arsenal were recruiting from a position of strength as Premier League champions but they fell short in adding to the forward line as planned.

Vinicius Jr and Julian Alvarez were targeted and Arsenal played the waiting game with both, only for the pair to decide to stay in Spain.

London Standard

A move for Morgan Rogers also did not materialise, with Christos Tzolis the only signing made in attack.

Speaking after defeat in the Champions League final in May, Arteta demanded that Arsenal be "very ambitious, very fast and very smart" in the summer window.

"The outcome after can be different to what you expect but the intention is certainly there. In my opinion, that's what I value most."

Pressed on whether that intent was as important to him in showing ambition as completing transfers was, Arteta added: "Yes because it doesn't depend on you only."

The data shows something completely different. But it is what it is, this is what we have

Mikel Arteta

Despite only bringing in Tzolis, Arsenal sold Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus. Ethan Nwaneri was also allowed to join Borussia Dortmund on loan.

On paper it leaves the attack looking weaker than it was last season but Arteta insisted the club had not taken a big risk.

He pointed to the injuries the likes of Martin Odegaard, Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka suffered last season, suggesting Arsenal will be stronger this season if they can stay fit.

"I understand the point of view but as well we have to understand the minutes those players played and the ones that were injured last year, especially in the first six months," Arteta said.

"The data shows something completely different. But it is what it is, this is what we have. As I said before, we already have some very, very good players."

He added: "The window is closed and I prefer to look at all the incredible things that we have in the squad, not to spend any more time on the things that are not part of us right now.

"That's it. That's my main responsibility."