Mikel Arteta says Arsenal’s players have told him they “want more” this season as they look to deny Manchester City a fifth consecutive Premier League title.
The Gunners have finished second to City in the past two league campaigns, and were just two points behind Pep Guardiola’s side last season.
On the evening after the final match of last season against Everton, Arteta and Arsenal held a gathering in central London that was attended by owner and co-chairman Josh Kroenke, players with their families and club staff.
“All the players were saying to me, ‘we’re going to be better, we’re going to do it, we want more,'” said Arteta.
“They are the ones driving that ambition, so that’s always positive.”
Arsenal face Wolves at Emirates Stadium in their first match of the season on Saturday, and Arteta says his side are relishing the start of their title bid.
“We are really excited,” he said. “We’ve been missing the competition for many weeks, too long for us.
“We’re so willing to start, really enthusiastic about it.
“We had a really challenging pre-season. The team has looked really sharp, really at it and desperate to play.”
