Mikel Arteta believes that Arsenal will start the 2013/14 season with a flurry of new faces allaying fears that Arsene Wenger will refrain from strengthening his side this summer. The north London club have only managed to sign Yaya Sanogo thus far and are currently actively pursuing Luis Suarez for whom they have had a bid rejected by Liverpool worth £40m plus £1.

Mikel Arteta
Reuters

The Gunners are looking to end their eight season trophy drought and Arsene Wenger is willing to strengthen his squad to put in a title challenge this season. The Frenchman has money available to spend and is keeping tabs on the likes of Wayne Rooney, Cesc Fabregas and others to improve his chances of putting in a concerted effort for the Premier League title.

"I think we are going to start the season with new faces. That is what we are all hoping for. That will give us a big boost and everyone is very positive. We need to close the gap with the teams that are trying to win the titles. We have been too far [behind] in the last few seasons. We will start and see how it goes. We won't be as far this season," Arteta said.

"If the club can target players who will improve the team they are going to be very welcome because that is what we want - a better team, better players to compete and win trophies. The club is working on that, it is in their hands and I am sure they are going to do it," he added.

Arsenal finished last season in 4<sup>th spot, narrowly beating arch rivals Tottenham Hotspur by a single point who finished the season in 5<sup>th position. However, Spurs have started their transfer activity early, having already brought in the likes of Nacer Chadli, Paulinho and Roberto Soldado this summer and are looking good to challenge Arsenal yet again if they fail to strengthen. However, Arteta is confident that the Gunners will not disappoint and that confirmation about new signings will trickle in soon.

"It will happen. I have no doubts about it. It takes time but I know the boss is working really hard on it and the board as well. It will happen, for sure. I am very convinced but the great players normally come at the end of the transfer window. The clubs work hard to keep their best players and I think Arsenal will do well in the transfer window," Arteta concluded.