Mikel Arteta awaits new Arsenal signings

Arsenal midfielder Mikel Arteta, who stood in as captain for the Gunners last season as Thomas Vermaelen warmed the bench; has called on Arsene Wenger to open the cheque book and sign some new faces.

The Gunners have been linked with a  host of new players this summer, with Gonzalo Higuain's transfer appearing to have stalled, Arteta wants Arsenal to find a replacement.


"The club have said they are going to be very ambitious in the market and have got the financial resources to get big players," Arteta said.


"I think it's about time. When you compare us to the other top English clubs and the money they have paid, we are very far apart. The value of this club is the class and what it means is very difficult to match.


"Now, financially, they are very strong so maybe we will be more aggressive in the transfer market. There has never been a tradition at Arsenal to pay crazy, crazy money.


"I am excited. They made it public that they are going to go big and the sort of players they have been linked with makes me happy.


"It creates a good atmosphere and we need to do something because the other teams are doing it, and I think we will.