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Arsenal will kick off the 2026/27 Premier League season at home to Coventry as the reigning champions. A feeling the club hasn’t experienced for 22 years. Preseason has been understandably mixed in terms of results, with many players who played at the 2026 World Cup only just returning. The Gunners most recently drew 1-1 with Serie A side Como at the Emirates, winning the subsequent penalty shootout. After Arsenal’s final friendly game, Mikel Arteta spoke to the press about the club’s plans for the remainder of the transfer window, and the difficulties in finding the right player. Arsenal Draw 1-1 With Como in Final Preseason Fixture Mikel Discusses Arsenal’s Plans to Improve His Squad Arsenal started positively, with Eberechi Eze firing just over the bar from a free-kick that he won himself. Soon after, Eze whipped in a dangerous corner that hit Theo Julienne and nearly went in. The Gunners continued to keep the pressure up, with Ethan Nwaneri impressing in midfield. On one occasion, Nwaneri won the ball and released Eze, who rounded the goalkeeper before squaring it to Gabriel Jesus, who hit the post. Read More: Greatest Footballers of All Time: Pre World War One Como had their moments, with Martin Baturina’s curling effort saved by Kepa Arrizabalaga. Myles Lewis-Skelly opened the scoring for the Gunners before Baturina did impressively to work and angle and fire home. It was 1-1 after 90 minutes, with the game going to penalties. David Raya saved from Ivan Smolcic and then Alvaro Morata in the shootout, and despite Noni Madueke missing from the spot, Christos Tzolis converted the winning penalty for Arsenal. Arteta Talks Transfer Plans After Como Friendly When asked about the club’s transfer plans for the remainder of the window: “There is more that we want to do, because every time we have an opportunity to improve the squad and bring more quality and depth, we need to do that. We’re actively trying to do so – the thing is, in the market, it doesn’t just depend on you, and we’re very clear on that. The will and the desire of the club is unquestionable, but we cannot promise that we’re going to do it because it doesn’t only depend on us,” said Arteta. Read More: Top Five Greatest Manager Rants Discussing the difficulties in bringing in the right players, the Gunners boss said: “That’s the demand, isn’t it – for the margins to improve, there are very few players in the market that are available to do that and bring more quality to the club. But again, we’re actively looking to improve that, and we’re going to try.” Arteta was also asked about the club’s wage structure and whether that must remain fairly equal (could impact buying certain players): “I’ll leave that question to Andrea [Berta] and the board – my job is more to focus on getting the best out of the players that we have, to create that connection between them, and to make every player feel important regardless of the wages.” It remains to be seen if Arteta signs anyone else, but regardless, Arsenal are in a strong position to defend their Premier League title. Featured Image Credit: IMAGO / Visionhaus