Hansi Flick wants Barcelona to adopt a more direct approach during his first season in charge, though the German will not sacrifice the Blaugrana's tiki-taka principles.
Former Bayern Munich and Germany boss Flick was named as Xavi's replacement in May, after Barca finished a distant second to rivals Real Madrid in LaLiga.
Flick's Bayern side were known for their aggressive approach in and out of possession, winning a Bundesliga and Champions League double under him in 2019-20.
Between Flick's appointment in November 2019 and his exit in June 2021, Bayern averaged the highest possession share in the Bundesliga (62.55%) and won the ball in the final third 489 times, 172 clear of Borussia Dortmund, who were second by that metric (317).
They also led the way for wins (45), total shots (1,023) and goals (174) in that span, averaging exactly three goals per Bundesliga outing.
Barca have traditionally upheld the ideals of Johan Cruyff and later Pep Guardiola, basing their approach around patient build-up, but Flick is planning some tweaks.
"Here the tradition is to play with passing, but I also want them to go straight to the goal. They should focus a bit more on scoring," Flick told Barca One.
"I don't think my style has any major changes. I'm looking for the same thing, to press high up, and to play in the opponent's midfield.
"But, at the end of the day, you have to win. Everything is about winning games and at Barca, you have to play well.
"All I can say is that we want to be an active team. We have to be active with and without the ball. It's up to us to make it that way.
"We can make the opponent go in the direction we want and win the ball back as quickly as possible.
"I like my teams to press the opponent at the right moment, and sometimes higher up. With the ball, all players have to have as much freedom as possible. That's how I see it from a technical point of view."
Barcelona were the only team in LaLiga to average over 60% possession last season (64.7%), though both Madrid (87) and Girona (85) bettered their 79 goals.
Girona (1.62) were the only side to attack with a slower direct speed than the Blaugrana, who moved the ball upfield at an average speed of 1.67 metres per second.
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe and midfielder Bruno Guimaraes should stay at St James' Park despite being linked with moves elsewhere, believes Joelinton.
Howe has been touted as a contender to replace Gareth Southgate following his resignation as England manager, which came in the wake of their Euro 2024 final loss to Spain.
The former Bournemouth boss, who led Newcastle to a fourth-place Premier League finish and the EFL Cup final in 2023-24, insisted his commitment to the Magpies was "unwavering" last week.
Guimaraes, meanwhile, saw his future called into question at the end of last season, with Newcastle battling to comply with the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules.
Linked with both Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City, he had a £100million release clause in his contract, but it expired at the start of this month.
As Newcastle bid to improve on last season's seventh-place Premier League finish, Joelinton hopes disruption can be kept to a minimum.
Speaking about Howe, as quoted by The Daily Mail, the Brazilian said: "He's done a lot for me from day one.
"He's a great coach, a great man. I love him. I have a lot of respect for him. He changed my career.
"He and his staff changed things, they gave a new mentality and helped my football. I will be grateful forever.
"We love him here, we want him here. Hopefully he will stay for many years. He's a great coach and I know he can take us to the next level."
Asked about the future of his club and international team-mate Guimaraes, meanwhile, Joelinton told The Athletic: "I hope he stays. I know him, he loves the club as well.
"He loves the fans, he enjoys his life in Newcastle. I think he's glad to be there for his life as well as for football. Newcastle want him to be happy and stay for many years.
"I think he's going to stay. He tells me he's going to come back next week and get ready for the season."
New United States women's head coach Emma Hayes is hopeful of creating "a new history" with the national side, starting at the Olympic Games in Paris.
The USWNT come into the competition on the back of their earliest exit from a World Cup, losing to Sweden on penalties in the last 16 last year.
The United States arrive in Paris aiming to claim a fifth gold medal in the tournament, last triumphing in the competition at London 2012.
"This team is past that. I think this team is firmly focused on, you know, creating a new history together," said head coach Hayes, reflecting on the 2023 World Cup.
"Our motivation isn't always about righting the wrongs. Far from it. We're excited. We're prepared."
Since Hayes' arrival at the helm in May, she has won three of her four games in charge, securing four clean sheets in the process.
But a goalless draw with Costa Rica in their final pre-tournament fixture has supporters worried about their gold medal prospects.
"The team is exactly where it needs to be at this stage," Hayes assured. "And for us it's just so, so important we continue to focus on that process."
Hayes' side open their Group B campaign against Zambia, who have Barbra Banda in their ranks, the striker who has 12 goals in 12 games for Orlando Pride.
The USWNT are among the favourites to scoop the top award in Paris, with reigning world champions Spain also tipped for gold on their tournament debut.
But Hayes, who won seven WSL titles with Chelsea, feels the age-old assumption of American dominance in the women's game is disrespectful.
Hayes acknowledged that ambition is important, but emphasised that expectations for these Olympics must be amended due to the global growth of women's football.
"I think one of the biggest problems is that too often is that we talk about what we're going to do in Paris or what happens when we get to the semis and finals - I think it's disrespectful to the rest of the world to talk like that," Hayes said.
"I think the game has moved to a point where that isn't the case. It isn't a shoo-in to get somewhere. It has to be earned and there's no given right.
"There's top footballing nations in this tournament. I don't think shocks in the women's game exist any more.
"I think we have to reframe our focus a little bit and have respect for the rest of the world."
Having been treated to a month of non-stop international football with Euro 2024 and the Copa America, the fun continues at the Olympic Games in Paris.
Sixteen teams will play across seven different stadiums in the men's tournament, and all will hope to have a gold medal placed around their necks on August 9 at the Parc des Princes.
There will be a new champion this time around, with Brazil, who triumphed in Tokyo, not participating in this year's tournament.
Will it be Thierry Henry's France, or will Argentina and Spain continue their recent international success on the global stage?
Here, we have a look at all the key information ahead of the action unfolding.
Football at the Olympics
In Olympic football, the general rules align with those of domestic and international play. However, for the men's teams, there's a notable difference in the age requirement for each nation.
Each of the 16 countries have confirmed their 18-man squads ahead of the tournament, but are only allowed to select three players over the age of 23.
The action will start on 24 July, with Argentina and Spain kicking off their respective campaigns in the day's early matches.
The tournament format consists of four groups containing four teams, with the top two advancing to the knockout stages.
A bronze medal match will take place a day prior to the final, and due to the number of fixtures needing to be played, the action will kickstart two days before the Olympics' official opening ceremony on July 26.
How do the groups look?
While France are considered among the favourites at their home Games, they have been placed in a group that contains one-time silver medallists United States and Tokyo 2020 quarter-finalists New Zealand, as well as minnows Guniea.
Henry's side have impressed in their pre-tournament preparations, scoring 12 goals in their three matches against the Dominican Republic, Japan and Paraguay.
Having been placed in the 'group of death' at Euro 2024, albeit they went on to lift the trophy anyway, Spain will sleep a little easier knowing they are to play two sides in Group C who are yet to participate at the Olympic Games.
La Roja feature in a group containing Uzbekistan and the Dominican Republic, but will also play Egypt, who are making their 12th appearance in the competition.
Argentina are placed in Group B, with their biggest test coming in their opening game against Morocco, with Iraq and Ukraine rounding out that pool.
Japan are the standout side in Group D, having previously featured in 11 editions of the Games; they will square off against Paraguay, Mali and Israel.
Spain and Argentina gunning for gold, but France will have their say
Spain and Argentina are the hot favourites to build on their summer tournament successes, though France, as hosts, are certainly right in the mix.
Argentina have the chance to clinch a record-equalling third gold medal in Paris, and would go level with Great Britain and Hungary as the most successful nation in the competition's history.
La Albiceleste previously triumphed in back-to-back Olympic Games, securing their maiden win in Athens 20 years ago, followed by another gold in Beijing four years later.
Javier Mascherano is coaching Argentina, and his squad includes two Copa America winners in the form of Nicolas Otamendi and Manchester City's Julian Alvarez. Thiago Almada, who has just signed for Botafogo in Brazil, was a star of MLS in recent years and is certainly one to watch.
Argentina have, however, failed to get out of the group in their previous two appearances at the games, but will be confident of reaching the knockout stages this time around.
Spain are in search of a first gold medal since Barcelona 1992, and they will hope to make up for their defeat to Brazil in the Tokyo final.
Their squad includes Fermin Lopez, Eric Garcia and Pau Cubarsi.
But France will pose a significant threat, especially with the advantage of the Games being played on home soil.
Eleven of Les Bleus 18-man squad play their football in France, and they will be hopeful of leading their nation to a first gold medal since the Los Angeles games back in 1984, and there are some real stars in Henry's squad.
Alexander Lacazette brings the experience as captain, Jean-Philippe Mateta is coming off the back of a fine season, and new Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise is arguably the best player involved in the entire competition.
Who could upset the odds?
Uzbekistan, led by Timur Kapadze, are one of three teams making their debut at the Olympics, alongside Ukraine and the Dominican Republic.
They qualified for the tournament after reaching the final of the AFC U-23 Asian Cup earlier this year, losing to Japan 1-0 in May.
However, they face a difficult task to reach the knockout stages in their maiden appearance at the tournament, having been placed in Group C alongside Spain and Egypt.
Japan, meanwhile, are competing at their 12th Olympics, a record only bettered by the United States (15), France (14) and Egypt (13) of this year's participating sides.
Having won all three of their group games at the Tokyo Games, Japan went close to equalling their best result in their home games, having previously claimed bronze in 1968.
They were beaten 3-1 by Mexico in their bronze medal match four years ago, and will be keen to earn a first top-two medal finish.
The USA are another side looking to restore some pride on the international stage following their group stage exit at the Copa America last month. Their best result came in 1904 when they won silver in St. Louis, with Marko Mitrovic the man tasked with delivering in Paris this time around.
No Paris return for Mbappe or Messi
While some of the world's brightest talent will descend on Paris this month, there are some huge omissions from the 16 nations taking part.
Kylian Mbappe is arguably the biggest of those.
Having failed to lead Les Bleus to European Championship glory, the former Paris Saint-Germain striker will not be able to make up for it in the city he called home for the past seven years.
Mbappe has completed his move to Real Madrid, signing a five-year deal with Los Blancos. The 36-time LaLiga champions said they would not release any of their squad to compete at the Games, although Mbappe said he was keen to play earlier this year.
Lionel Messi is another huge player who will not be present in Paris, having just led Argentina to a third-straight major tournament win.
Messi played five times for Lionel Scaloni's side at the Copa America, scoring once in their semi-final win over Canada.
The 37-year-old was forced off in the final against Colombia after picking up an ankle injury, but would not have featured anyway having alerted Mascherano of his desire not to feature.
Messi has won all there is to win as a professional footballer, including an Olympic gold he clinched at the 2008 Games.
And having become the youngest player to appear in a major international tournament final, Spain's Lamine Yamal will also not be competing at the Paris games.
Yamal starred for La Roja at Euro 2024, tallying five goal involvements in seven appearances in Germany.
The 17-year-old played 50 times for Barcelona last season and will miss the tournament in order to manage his workload ahead of the new La Liga season.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
France - Jean-Philippe Mateta
All eyes will be on host nation France, with Henry's squad boasting a plethora of attacking talent heading into the games.
Les Bleus will be led by former Arsenal striker Lacazette, but attention will be focused on Crystal Palace striker Mateta, who enjoyed a rich vein of form in the Premier League.
Mateta scored 16 goals last term, having previously only scored seven times for the Eagles, including a run of nine goals in Palace's seven-game winning run under new head coach, Oliver Glasner.
His former Palace team-mate Olise, fresh from his £50million move to Bayern Munich, is also a part of Henry's plans, along with Lacazette's Lyon team-mate, Rayan Cherki.
Argentina - Julian Alvarez
Fresh from his Copa America success, Alvarez will be keen to add another international honour to his trophy cabinet.
Alvarez is one of three overage players picked by Mascherano alongside Otamendi and Geronimo Rulli.
The 24-year-old scored two goals in Argentina's 16th Copa success, netting 19 times in 54 appearances in all competitions for Pep Guardiola's side last term as they claimed a record fourth consecutive Premier League crown.
With his participation in the tournament, Alvarez will miss City's pre-season tour of the United States and their Community Shield fixture against rivals Manchester United.
Spain - Fermin Lopez
Along with Alex Baena, Fermin is one of two players from Spain's Euro 2024-winning squad heading to the Olympics.
Lopez played just 28 minutes for La Roja in their record-setting fourth success at the Euros, but he is guaranteed more game time in Paris.
The 21-year-old enjoyed a breakthrough year, scoring eight goals for Barcelona in La Liga, which included a strike against Real Madrid in his second Classico appearance.
Lopez and Baena are looking to make history by becoming the first outfield players to win both the Euros and Olympic gold in the same summer.
Morocco - Achraf Hakimi
Despite failing to build on their World Cup 2022 semi-final run at the recent Africa Cup of Nations, PSG star Hakimi will be hopeful of guiding Morocco to gold.
Hakimi will lead the Atlas Lions out for their eighth appearance at the Games, having been given permission to miss his club's pre-season preparations.
The 25-year-old, who has made over 70 appearances for his nation, helped Luis Enrqiue's side to a domestic treble last term, recording nine goal contributions in 25 Ligue 1 outings.
Guinea - Naby Keita
Having endured a difficult season with injury at Werder Bremen, former Liverpool midfielder Keita will captain Guinea in their second appearance at the Olympics.
Keita made the switch from Anfield to Germany last year but made just five Bundesliga appearances, missing the final five games of the season after refusing to play their game against champions-elect, Bayer Leverkusen.
The 29-year-old has 56 appearances for Guinea across a seven-year international career, scoring 11 times.
Wendie Renard says it is France's "time to strike" as they prepare for their Olympic Games opener against Colombia on Thursday.
France are competing in the Olympics for the third time after qualifying as hosts, though they failed to win a medal in either of the previous appearances.
Their best-ever finish came at London 2012, when they finished fourth after conceding a stoppage-time goal in a 1-0 defeat to Canada.
Despite never reaching a major tournament final, Les Bleues are among the favourites to win the gold medal in Paris.
And after regularly reaching the knockout stages of tournaments during Renard's time as captain, she is confident now is the right time for her team to finally get the glory.
"Winning the Olympic gold is the dream," she told The Guardian. "Personally, I rank playing for my country very highly.
"So far it's been a lot of ups and downs, but you learn from the defeats. Life isn't only made up of victories – many winners have fallen again and again before being crowned.
"I hope that our efforts over the years will be rewarded this summer.
"I think there's a bit of fear on the part of the teams we face because we're so well-rounded. But when we look back at the matches in which we were knocked out, we weren't missing a lot. It's the little details that send you home.
"We see that we've fallen behind compared to other countries – even though at one point we were ahead. Now would be the right time to strike, and I say that in all modesty – it would be ideal for us."
France will also face Canada and New Zealand in Group A.
The NFL Players Association and the NFL have had "very high-level" discussions over a potential 18-game regular season, says NFLPA executive director, Lloyd Howell.
While the talks have not reached a formal negotiation stage between the two parties, Howell noted there were plans in place for the NFLPA to present the issue to the players in the near future.
If the plans were put into place, the 18th game would likely replace one of the three pre-season games, and push the Super Bowl back a week to Presidents' Day weekend.
In the past, players have been opposed to expanding the schedule, with New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers publicly speaking out against a 17-game season back in 2021.
Howell admitted there were obstacles to overcome before it could be brought to the players but remained optimistic about the chances of the fixture list expanding.
"We have talked at a very, very, very high level superficially, with a recognition about 'Yeah, this is something that we should be talking about. And we should really kick the tires and understand what else goes into that decision-making process'," Howell told the Washington Post.
"Many of our players have said, 'They're going to ask for more games'.
"So, one of the things you learn in business is this applies back to the obvious - I know you're going to ask for more games because that generates more money. And to be fair, don't we all want to grow the pie?"
Audi have appointed former Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto as the head of their Formula One project, parting company with Andreas Seidl.
Made chief executive officer 19 months ago, Seidl was tasked with overseeing Sauber's progress ahead of Audi taking over the team for 2026.
However, with Sauber the only team on the grid yet to earn a point this season, the German manufacturer has opted to conduct a major shake-up.
Olivier Hoffmann, chairman of the team's board of directors, has joined Seidl in departing.
Binotto, who left Ferrari at the end of the 2022 season after the Scuderia's title charge faded in disappointing fashion, will officially take on the role of chief operating and chief technical officer from August 1.
Gernot Dollner, who has taken over Hoffmann's former position, said of Binotto: "With his extensive experience of more than 25 years in F1, he will undoubtedly be able to make a decisive contribution for Audi.
"Our aim is to bring the entire F1 project up to F1 speed by means of clear management structures, defined responsibilities, reduced interfaces, and efficient decision-making processes.
"For this purpose, the team must be able to act independently and quickly."
Binotto had been part of Ferrari's team since 1995, contributing to eight constructors' championship triumphs before becoming team principal in 2019.
San Francisco 49ers receiver Brandon Aiyuk is currently in a contract battle with the team, and Fred Warner believes it is a "good issue to have".
Aiyuk was in contract negotiations with the 49ers to extend his current deal but reportedly has not held talks with them since May.
Unable to reach a deal, the 26-year-old instead asked for a trade.
It is not the first time the 49ers have found themselves in lengthy contract disputes, going through the same process to resign Nick Bosa, Deebo Samuels and Warner himself.
The linebacker was unfazed by the controversies though, instead choosing to focus on the positives.
"When you're part of such a talented roster, I feel like this is something that goes on every season," Warner said via NBC Sports Bay Area.
"It's a good issue to have because, obviously, that means that your players are performing at such a high level that you have to have these kinds of conversations."
Aiyuk is under contract with San Francisco for 2024 in the option year of his rookie deal.
He impressed last season on their run to Super Bowl LVIII, earning second-team All-Pro honours and ranking seventh in the NFL with a career-high 1,342 receiving yards.
His average of 17.9 yards per catch ranked second in the league, while only the Miami Dolphins' Tyreek Hill bettered his 16 receptions of 25 or more yards.
Overall, since being picked in the 2020 draft, Aiyuk has 269 receptions for 3,931 yards, with 25 touchdown catches in 62 games.
As a key figure in the team, Aiyuk has been supported by his team-mates throughout the dispute, and Warner said he is ready to welcome him back when the saga is sorted.
"It's a part of the business, and so we all just let them handle that. And when he's back, he's back. We'll welcome him with open arms."
Top European leagues and players' union FIFPRO have launched legal action against FIFA, accusing the governing body of abusing its dominant position and harming player welfare by oversaturating the calendar.
The European Leagues – a body representing 39 leagues including the Premier League – has filed a complaint to the European Union's antitrust regulators.
The move comes amid controversy regarding the calendar, with the first edition of FIFA's expanded Club World Cup set to take place in the United States next year.
Last month, Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti suggested the European champions could boycott the competition, only for Los Blancos to subsequently confirm their participation in a statement.
FIFPRO launched legal action against FIFA at the Brussels court of commence in the ensuing days, claiming the decision to schedule the Club World Cup had violated players' rights.
The union has now joined a number of leagues in taking the issue to EU lawmakers, with a joint statement reading: "The international match calendar is now beyond saturation and has become unsustainable for national leagues and a risk for the health of players.
"FIFA's decisions over the last years have repeatedly favoured its own competitions and commercial interests, neglected its responsibilities as a governing body, and harmed the economic interests of national leagues and the welfare of players.
"National leagues and player unions, which represent the interests of all clubs and all players at the national level and regulate labour relations through collectively agreed solutions, cannot accept that global regulations are decided unilaterally.
"Legal action is now the only responsible step for European leagues and player unions to protect football, its ecosystem and workforce from FIFA's unilateral decisions."
Madrid and Manchester City are among 12 European clubs to have booked a spot at the first 32-team Club World Cup, due to their recent Champions League successes.
Chelsea, Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, Inter and Juventus will also feature, with most qualifiers being determined by a ranking system that awards points for victories in the Champions League.
Bordeaux will play in the third tier of French football next season after a proposed takeover by Liverpool's owners Fenway Sports Group (FSG) fell through.
The six-time French champions, who last won Ligue 1 in 2008-09, have spent the last two seasons in Ligue 2 after finishing bottom of the top flight in 2021-22.
They finished 12th under former Liverpool and Spain winger Albert Riera last term, but their long-term financial struggles came to a head when the Direction Nationale du Controle de Gestion (DNCG) recommended they be demoted to the Championnat National.
Bordeaux successfully appealed the same sanction in 2022 but after FSG withdrew from talks regarding a takeover, they have accepted the punishment ahead of 2024-25.
"While discussions had resumed in recent days, FSG representatives indicated yesterday, Monday, July 22, to Bordeaux and its shareholders their desire not to follow through despite the assurances provided by various stakeholders," a club statement said.
"Therefore, in the absence of new elements, Bordeaux withdrew the appeal lodged against the decision of the DNCG.
"As a result, Bordeaux accepts the sanction of administrative demotion to the Championnat National for the 2024-2025 season and will be summoned again to present its budget to the DNCG.
"The period which is opening should allow FC Girondins de Bordeaux to come back stronger and at the highest level."
Pep Guardiola insists he is content at Manchester City and focused purely on the season ahead amid suggestions he could succeed Gareth Southgate as England manager.
Southgate announced his resignation after eight years in charge of the Three Lions last week, in the wake of their Euro 2024 final defeat to Spain.
Homegrown bosses Graham Potter, Eddie Howe and Lee Carsley have been touted as possible candidates to succeed Southgate, as has Mauricio Pochettino.
Reports have also suggested the Football Association could approach Guardiola with the intention of having him take over in 2025, when many believe he could step down as City boss.
While Guardiola has previously spoken of his desire to take an international job, for now, he is focused on City's bid to win an unprecedented fifth straight English top-flight title.
"I'm really excited for this upcoming season," he said during a press conference on Tuesday.
"I'm really happy here. Every season I need the break, definitely, but after that, I recharge my batteries and I have the same energy as usual.
"I know the competition is coming, and I am fully focused on that."
City kick off their pre-season tour of the United States when they face Celtic in North Carolina on Tuesday, with fixtures against Milan, Barcelona and Chelsea to follow.
Mexico have appointed Javier Aguirre as their head coach for a third time after Jaime Lozano was sacked in the wake of their disappointing Copa America campaign.
Mexico finished third in Group B in the United States, only scoring once in their three group-stage matches as they finished behind Venezuela and Ecuador.
El Tri have now suffered three group-stage exits in their last four participations at the Copa America (also in 2011 and 2015), having reached at least the semi-finals at five of their first seven editions.
Lozano paid the price for their failure to reach the knockout stages as he was sacked less than a year after taking over, with the Mexican Football Federation saying he rejected the chance to stay on in a backroom role under a new boss.
Aguirre, who previously led the team between 2001 and 2002 and from 2009 to 2010, has returned for another stint, with Barcelona great Rafael Marquez as his assistant.
"Both are undisputed leaders with distinct personal styles," said national team director Duilio Davino.
"Aguirre is characterised by being a leader who guides and convinces his players and coaching staff through his vision and by creating bonds with his team.
"Rafa leads by example, supported by the fact that he was a high-performance footballer in Mexico and Europe."
Aguirre and Marquez will get the chance to lead their country on home soil at the 2026 World Cup, with Aguirre having previously overseen last-16 exits at the 2002 and 2010 tournaments.
He led Real Mallorca to the Copa del Rey final last season, only to lose on penalties after a 1-1 draw with Athletic Bilbao in April.
Team USA basketball coach Steve Kerr says there is "no thought" of replacing Kevin Durant in the Olympic squad despite him suffering with a calf strain.
The USA played their final warm-up game ahead of the Games, with LeBron James starring as they beat Germany 92-88 in London on Monday to make it five wins on the bounce.
However, Durant has not played in any of those five pre-Olympic games due to a right calf injury he sustained while training last month.
Despite stepping up his training in the last week, he is still a doubt for their opener against Serbia on Sunday.
Kerr has until Saturday to finalise his roster for the Games, and insisted he would not be calling up a replacement for Durant, who he hopes will get to train with the rest of the team when they travel to Paris.
"There's no thought of replacing Kevin," Kerr said. "I was hoping he would get a game in here, but it just didn't work out that way.
"When he missed time, he came right back - and he is who he is.
"He's one of the most skilled players of all time. So, we hope he comes back soon, and I think he'll fit right in."
The USA are aiming to win a fifth consecutive gold medal at this year's Olympics, and will also face South Sudan and Puerto Rico in Group C.
Mikel Arteta has hinted at Arsenal's transfer plans as he aims to "upgrade" the squad ahead of the next Premier League season.
The Gunners finished as runners-up behind Manchester City in the previous two seasons, missing out on the final day last year as they finished just two points shy of the champions.
While they were closer to the Citizens last term – they won the same number of games as City and matched their goal difference of 62 – Arteta acknowledged they needed to bring in new additions to help mount another title challenge.
"We have to [improve]," said Arteta. "When you are so close you want to grab it.
"Perfection in this league requires different standards when you relate that word to winning the Premier League and that is what we have to do.
"We need to upgrade in everything we are doing. We have to improve in every area and that is what we are trying to do."
Riccardo Calafiori is expected to join the club from Bologna, who he helped to qualify for the Champions League, with Arsenal edging closer to a deal for the defender.
Although Arteta said he had "no update" on when the Calafiori deal could be done, he stressed the club were aiming to make strides in the transfer market.
"I don't know if anyone will join us [for the pre-season tour]," Arteta added.
"There is still a lot of time left in the window and, while that is more a question for the board, obviously, we know there are certain positions that we want to improve and give the squad better resources in terms of numbers, but the main thing is to focus on falling in love with the players we have."
"Obviously, we know there are certain positions that we want to improve and give the squad better resources in terms of numbers where we are 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."
Arsenal will face Bournemouth, Manchester United and Liverpool during their pre-season tour of the USA before beginning their Premier League campaign against Wolves on August 17.
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