Mikel Arteta reveals Arsenal are 'working hard' on new signings

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has revealed that sporting director Edu and his recruitment team are 'working hard' to bring in new arrivals this summer.

The Gunners are yet to add any new faces to the squad ahead of the coming season, so far only triggering a permanent transfer option in goalkeeper David Raya's loan from Brentford.

But Italy centre-back Riccardo Calafiori is believed to be edging towards a move after being left out of Bologna's pre-season squad, while Euro 2024 star Nico Williams remains linked and a new striker could also be on the way.

Speaking to the media at a press conference in the United States as Arsenal prepare to face Bournemouth in Los Angeles, Arteta admitted there are no new updates to give but stressed that weaker areas of the squad are being actively targeted.

"We know there are certain positions that we want to improve and give the squad better resources, especially in terms of numbers where we are very short," the boss explained. "We will try our best but the main thing is to focus on falling in love with the players we have and make them better."

It means Arteta has had to embark on pre-season with the same squad as 2023/24. And while it is his preference, and likely that of every manager, to have new recruits locked in earlier – "From day one, I'd have everyone. That would be my choice" – there appears to be optimism.

"I don't know [if new signings will join the squad on tour]. There's still a lot to go in the window. Edu, the board and everyone at the club are working hard," he said.

Arsenal have three games in the United States before the end of the July and - facing Manchester United and Liverpool in LA and Philadelphia respectively after the Bournemouth friendly. Two further season warm-ups against Bayer Leverkusen and Lyon will then be played back in north London.

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