Arteta claims Arsenal have ‘big belief’ this season as Gunners look to avoid another trophyless campaign

Writing in his programme notes ahead of Wednesday’s friendly against Villarreal, Arteta expressed confidence in the squad’s upgraded depth.

“These new arrivals all add quality and depth to the squad, which is what we are going to need throughout the season ahead.

“We know what our targets are and what we want to achieve this season – there is a big belief in our ability to achieve that.

“We have been very, very close the last few seasons and the whole team is going to determine whether we achieve that or not.

“But at the same time, we have to make sure that we don’t lose sight of what we have to do on a daily basis to get to the levels that we want.

“We have to set the demands that we want within this goal, because that’s the most important thing — the internal demands have to always exceed any external demand. That is what we are trying to achieve every single day.”

Arsenal have finished as Premier League runners-up in each of the past three seasons.

With expectations mounting, Arteta emphasised that success will require more than just performances on the pitch – it will take the full backing of the fanbase.

“We have to do that all together, with you, our supporters as well.

“That is another reason why these two games at home are so important. Let’s show that energy from the first moment.

“We want our people to start connecting with our players straight away, to start to build momentum and to start to feel that at home we are invincible – that we play here with such passion, energy and connection with our people, that we are going to win the game.”