Mikel Arteta lays down title challenge to Arsenal: ‘If we want to be the real deal, we can’t be happy’

Mikel Arteta says Arsenal cannot be happy with finishing second in the Premier League if they want to be “the real deal”.

The Gunners finished off the season by beating Wolves 5-0 at home on the final day to finish five points off champions Manchester City.

It capped off an impressive campaign for Arsenal, who scored a club-record number of goals and equalled their most wins in a single season.

Arteta, however, insists they cannot be satisfied with that as he challenged his side to compete for the title again next season.

“We wanted to bring the club back to the Champions League. That was the main target,” said Arteta.

“That was obviously a big demand in the summer before we did certain things and before we managed to keep some of our players.

“Then the journey started and day by day, you start to have a feeling that the team is moving in the right direction and the energy and spirit is really good.

“Then you start to generate some belief. We didn’t expect to finish where we are. I think it’s the third best record in the club, with the history of the club, the most wins ever.

“It’s a lot but it’s still not enough to win it. We understand where the level is. If we want to be the real deal, we can’t be happy with what we have, and we have to be next season much better.”

Arsenal signed off in style by beating Wolves, with Granit Xhaka scoring twice and Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus and Jakub Kiwior also getting on the scoresheet.

The match is expected to be Xhaka’s last in an Arsenal shirt, although Arteta refused to comment after game about the midfielder’s impending £13million move to Bayer Leverkusen.

Arteta did, however, praise Xhaka’s performances this season as the 30-year-old finished with a career-best goal tally of nine. Xhaka was given a standing ovation when he was substituted on Sunday, while supporters also sung for him to stay.

“He’s had an incredible season,” said Arteta.

“I think one year back I spoke to him and I told him: ‘There’s a question mark on you, you have to deliver more, you have to be better, I’m going to challenge you to play here’.

“He went back and I think he started to train the next day. He came back in preseason four kilos less, fit, with this [focused] face and really willing to do it. He’s been exceptional.

“He’s been a key part of the team, the success of the team and I’m so happy everybody is appreciating what he’s done.”