Co-chairman Josh Kroenke made bold claims about Arsenal's ambitions under Mikel Arteta, who was allowed to strengthen his squad in several areas over the summer

Arsenal's summer spending spree suggests they are backing up words with actions as they attempt to finally overthrow Manchester City.

At the end of last season, ahead of their final-day clash against Everton with the Premier League title up for grabs, co-chairman Josh Kroenke made bold claims about how the club would not stand still, stressing the board was prepared to back Mikel Arteta to the hilt in the summer.

The Gunners' title challenge would of course fall course as City's win over West Ham rendered victory over Everton academic. But the near miss changed little behind the scenes, according to Kroenke, who wrote on the club website: "While we are undoubtedly proud of the progress we have made, I want to be clear that no one at the club will stand still.

"However things finish today, we're all working behind the scenes to move us forward - always forward - again. There is so much that we want to achieve, both at home and in Europe, and we are focused on writing some exciting new stories and chapters that build on the history of Arsenal Football Club.

In light of that statement, here's a round-up of Arsenal's main window signings and what they say about the club's ambitions under Arteta...

It was a busy, although not a frantic, transfer window for the Gunners. Given how close they have pushed City over the last two seasons, the club clearly felt fine-tuning rather than a drastic overhaul was needed.

YOUR TURN! What do you think of Arsenal's recent transfer recent transfer business? Tell us in the comments section.

Arsenal have splashed the cash on Riccardo Calafiori ( Image:

More than PS40million was lavished on Italy defender Riccardo Calafiori even though, at least for now, he faces a fight for the left-back role. Those pieces of business underline the belief the board has in Arteta and go against the Gunners' more cautious approach, which they have been accused of in the past.

A player who had been expected to hit the ground running was Mikel Merino, only for the Spain Euro 2024-winner to pick up a shoulder injury in one of his first training sessions. For PS31.6million it looks an astute piece of business, even though he hasn't kicked a ball for the club yet.

Raheem Sterling after joining Arsenal ( Image:

Along with Ramsdale, out have gone for Emile Smith Rowe and Eddie Nketiah permanently, a sign that Arsenal want to create space for elite talent, not just good, long-serving players who can only take the club so far.

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more The new shirt has returned the Gunners to their roots placing a stripped-down, elegant-looking canon right over the heart of the new shirt. Shirt manufacturers Adidas have produced a "clean and minimal" and the design "embraces modernity, while honouring Arsenal's rich heritage.