Arteta targets first Champions League title for Arsenal

Mikel Arteta says Arsenal are aiming to make history by winning the UEFA Champions League for the first time this season.

The Gunners open their campaign on Tuesday night with an away fixture against Athletic Bilbao at San Mamés.

Arsenal reached the semi-finals last term before being knocked out by eventual champions Paris Saint-Germain, who went on to claim their first European crown.

Belief and ambition

Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Arteta claimed that Arsenal now have the quality to compete with Europe’s elite clubs.

“Like the rest of the teams that have strengthened and won it on many occasions, that’s the aim,” Arteta said.

“The margins are super small and you have to be at your best from day one to give yourself the best possible chance.”

Lessons from last season

Reflecting on last season’s semi-final run, Arteta stressed the importance of both belief and squad availability.

“That we are good enough, that we can compete against any opposition on the day,” he said. “You need to have a full squad available when it comes to the most critical moments, and then the ball has to go in at the right moment or with the right decision.”

Changing the club’s history

Arsenal have never lifted the Champions League trophy, despite being regular participants. Arteta is determined to change that narrative.

“The big clubs try seven, eight, nine times and they win two,” he added. “In this competition, you’ll fail more than you succeed. That’s the history of our club and that’s what we want to change.”