Arteta admits Arsenal want new defender after Dortmund defeat

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has publicly stated the club's intention to sign another defender, acknowledging defensive vulnerabilities exposed in their 3-2 defeat to Borussia Dortmund in the Emirates Cup final. Arteta stressed that while improving defensively is a collective responsibility involving the current players, the club is actively seeking to enhance the squad.

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We conceded some poor goals today in the way we competed, especially. But that’s a very collective responsibility. So we need to improve with the players that we have. And we want to improve, for sure, we want that.

"We want to improve, for sure, we want that," Arteta said, emphasizing the need for the right player to significantly bolster the team. He also provided updates on injured players, noting that Jurrien Timber is progressing well and is back on the pitch, though still weeks away from full match fitness. William Saliba is currently in a two-week rest period to heal an aggravated injury, with Arteta acknowledging the significant impact of his absence, comparing it to similar challenges faced in the past.

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That’s what we’re trying to do. It has to be the right player in the market to make us much better. We are very much looking forward to that.

Arteta highlighted the particular context of the current squad situation, noting the absence of Saliba, Timber, and several other players from the match squad. Despite the loss, he found positives in the performance, suggesting the game could have had a different outcome. However, he insisted that losing must create a sense of pain to drive improvement.

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William Saliba is in rest mode at the moment for two weeks. He had to do almost nothing, an aggravated injury, so it’s going to take some time to heal. We know that. And as soon as we have more news, we can inform you.

The manager also expressed delight with new signing Bruno Guimaraes, praising the midfielder's immediate impact. "I’m delighted to have him," Arteta stated, citing the energy, hunger, and ambition Guimaraes has brought to the training ground. He believes such players are crucial for pushing the club to the next level and are necessary for achieving greater success.

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I’m delighted to have him. Why? Well, we see very clearly, especially the energy that he brought immediately to the training ground, the hunger, the desire to come here and create a big history at the club.