Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said the club is looking to strengthen “certain positions” as the signing of Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori approaches.
Speaking in Los Angeles at the start of Arsenal’s three-match tour of the United States, Arteta told reporters there was “no update” on the deal for the 22-year-old Bologna player, worth around €40 million (33 .7 pounds). m).
However, sources said talks are progressing well and are expected to reach a positive conclusion.
Arsenal are also looking to strengthen in midfield, trying to do better than in the last two campaigns, when they finished second behind Manchester City.
“We have to do this,” said the Gunners manager, when asked if his team needs to improve despite two near-perfect seasons. “When you’re so close you want to grab him.
“Perfection in this league requires different standards when you relate that word to winning the Premier League and that’s what we have to do.
“There is still a lot of time left in the window and although this is more of a question for the board, we obviously know that 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 .”
Arsenal players return for pre-season in stages.
They will have returned to London after games against Bournemouth, Manchester United and Liverpool, before others including Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka have joined as their Euro 2024 campaign with England does not end until July 14.
One of the abiding memories of the tournament was Saka’s goal in the penalty shoot-out victory over Switzerland in the quarter-finals, banishing memories of his failure in the previous tournament’s final defeat to Italy.
“I was very nervous,” said Arteta. “What happened a few years ago is on his mind, but he showed a lot of courage, determination and composure to face things the way he did.
“Bukayo’s role is constantly growing and evolving, he is a super important player for us and one of the main players in the national team.”
