Mikel Arteta says Arsenal are ‘travelling at a really high speed’ as they prepare to challenge for the Premier League title once more [RICHARD CALLIS/SPP]

ARSENAL are ready to ramp up their preparations for the new Premier League season, with manager Mikel Arteta insisting that his squad are “travelling at a really high speed” to achieve their goals both on and off the pitch.

The Gunners officially kicked off their pre-season tour of the US in the early hours of this morning (Thursday) when they went up against Bournemouth in California. They’re back in action again this Sunday when they face yet more familiar foes in the shape of Manchester United at the SoFi Stadium.

The summer break clearly hasn’t softened Arteta’s lofty ambitions with the Spaniard adamant that his side must “improve in every area” if they want to finally become champions following back-to-back seasons finishing as runner-up behind Manchester City.

Assessing Arsenal’s title credentials, Arteta said: “We are so close. There are moments where we had really fine margins. We have earned [the right] to be there, and obviously we want much more and we are going to try to get it.

“We need to upgrade everything we’re doing and improve in every area. That’s what we’re trying to do.

“When you are so close, you really want to grab it. But I think you have to analyse the whole thing. In the end, the outcome of this football club has to be to win major trophies, and we are in the process to achieve that – we are very close.

“The level that we are showing is extremely high, but it’s not been enough to win it. That’s the target.

“We’re certainly heading in the right direction and we are travelling at a really high speed with the things that we have transformed not only on the football side, but I think as a club as well. Now what is missing is to bring the big titles back home.”

One area that Arsenal must improve in is the size of their squad, especially ahead of a new Champions League format that is bringing with it even more games.

So far it’s been a slow summer down at Ashburton Grove. The main transfer activity has centred between the sticks, with Arsenal investing £27million in making goalkeeper David Raya’s move from Brentford permanent, while they also spent a rumoured £850,000 on young English shot-stopper Tommy Setford from Ajax.

Another goalie could also be on the cards, with the Gunners said to still be interested in Wolves keeper Dan Bentley.

Arsenal are also hoping to finally announce the arrival of Riccardo Calafiori any day now after agreeing a deal with Bologna for the 22-year-old Italy defender believed to be worth in the region of £40m.

Stressing a hope of splashing even more cash before their league campaign gets underway against Wolves on August 17, Arteta said: “We know there are certain positions that we want to improve and give the squad better resources, especially in terms of numbers where we are very short. We will try our best but the main thing is to focus on falling in love with the players we have and make them better.”