Mikel Arteta says Arsenal are ready to start their 2026/27 season at home, with the champions opening their Premier League campaign against Coventry City at Emirates Stadium at 8pm UK time.
Speaking ahead of the match, Arteta said he feels “different” and “hopefully better,” adding that he is “more excited than ever” and “hungrier than ever” as Arsenal look to begin their title defence with a strong performance and a win in front of their supporters.
Arteta on standards and the title defence
Arteta’s message was clear: defending a title is not about what happened last season, but about daily standards now. He said teams at the top are defined by their ability to maintain the highest level every day, and he believes Arsenal have the desire and ambition to do that again.
At the same time, he stressed that the club must keep earning it. “It’s something that we have to earn and do daily,” he said, underlining the challenge that comes with being champions entering a new league campaign.
Defensive depth remains a focus
One of the main themes from Arteta’s update was squad depth, especially in the back line. He said Arsenal are “really active in the market” and described the ambition as improving the squad. The most specific area of need, he explained, is defence, where the club is dealing with the long-term injury of Wilo Saliba and the need for one more defender.
Arteta linked that thinking to last year’s problems, when Arsenal got into difficult situations and had two or three injuries in the same area of the pitch. That experience, he said, is part of why the club wants to build a deeper squad for the long season ahead.
Why the next move matters
Arteta also made clear that squad building is not just about adding numbers. Players need to feel important and valued, which is why minutes and management across the group will matter as the season develops. He said Arsenal must take things “organically” and treat the campaign like a long marathon.
For now, the immediate focus is Coventry City. Arsenal start their title defence at Emirates Stadium, and Arteta is asking for the same thing he said his team must show all season: desire, ambition and consistency. The opener will offer the first real look at how ready the champions are to chase another strong year.
