Mikel Arteta has admitted that Arsenal dream of being the best team in the world as they attempt to steal the Premier League trophy away from reigning champions Manchester City.

As it stands, the Gunners are one place ahead of title rivals City, but two behind league leaders Liverpool. Arne Slot’s Reds have charged to the top of the standings and sit seven points in front of second place Chelsea.

But, Arteta believes Arsenal are capable of being the best in, not only English football, but the world. His side secured victories over Manchester United, West Ham and Nottingham Forest after a poor run of form earlier in the season, bouncing back to regain their spot amongst the title competitors.

“We want to be the kings of everything,” Arteta told reporters ahead of Sunday’s clash with Fulham. “At set pieces, the best in the world, at high press, the best in the world, attacking open spaces, the best in the world. We want the best atmosphere in the stadium, and be the best at everything.

“Before it was about we didn’t score enough, we were so defensive in our mentality, we were not physical enough and could not challenge the top teams and going 22, 17, 20 years without winning away from home in big matches. We want to be the best at everything, we want to have the best academy, the best individual development for players, recruit the best players and have the best coaches. That’s the aim and now we have to go and do something else.

“We are very good at a lot of things. We take it as a compliment and fuel to be better because we are not perfect, even in that department or defending set pieces. We conceded three chances [vs Manchester United], the three of them coming from that kind of situation. There is a lot to improve and the margins are always there for us to explore and try to get better.”

Arsenal will travel to face Fulham in the Premier League on Sunday and could climb further towards leaders Liverpool after the Reds were forced to postpone their meeting with Everton.

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