Moments after the final whistle on the south coast, Mikel Arteta faced the media with red eyes and unmistakable resolve. “Pain is fuel,” the Spaniard insisted. “We will use every drop of it and go again.” Arteta’s rallying cry followed a campaign that promised much yet delivered only another second place finish. He acknowledged Liverpool’s consistency but argued that Arsenal’s injury plagued spring masked underlying progress. The manager highlighted a return to Champions League prominence as evidence of growth. Arsenal reached the semi final before bowing out to Paris Saint-Germain, remaining unbeaten at Emirates Stadium across European competition. Domestically, Arteta pointed to an improved defensive record: 36 goals conceded compared with 43 last season. He praised William Saliba’s development into a commanding organiser and Jurrien Timber’s seamless transition to the Premier League after summer recovery from knee surgery. Asked about transfer plans, Arteta confirmed discussions with the board and incoming minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe. “We need a striker who lives in the penalty area and another midfield controller,” he said, referencing the long term fitness concerns over Thomas Partey. Sources at London Colney suggest Brentford’s Ivan Toney and Benfica teenager João Neves are high on the shortlist. Arteta also defended his decision not to seek emergency cover for Gabriel Jesus in January, arguing that budget discipline paved the way for a larger summer spend. He accepted supporter frustration but reiterated trust in Hale End graduates who gained valuable minutes. Pressed on contract talks-his current deal runs to 2027-Arteta revealed an informal agreement to extend until 2031 is very close. For now, his focus remains on rest, reflection, and pre season preparations in Singapore where Arsenal will meet AC Milan and Newcastle in July. “The distance to first place is clear,” he concluded. “Our response must be clearer.”
