Over the past two seasons, Arsenal and Mikel Arteta have given Pep Guardiola plenty of sleepless nights.

While the Manchester City boss may have led his side to a record-breaking four Premier League titles in a row, it hasn't been without drama, with the Gunners pushing them right to the limits.

Yet, on both occasions, costly defeats during the run-in have let Arsenal down and they have ultimately fallen short.

But, after a gruelling summer of international football and with no team having ever won five titles in a row in English football, could this be the year the Gunners finally get over the line?

However, in Arteta's first engagements with the media this season on Arsenal's pre-season tour of the USA, he seemed to pour cold water on these expectations.

Arsenal have narrowly missed out on the Premier League title in both of the past two seasons

'We have to (improve),' he said. 'Perfection in this league requires different standards to relate that word to winning the Premier League, and that's 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.

'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, but we will try our best.' 

In light of Arteta's comments, Mail Sport takes a look at where the Gunners need to upgrade if they are finally to pip City to the title and win the Premier League for the first time since 2004.

Left back

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Versatile Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori could be one player to make a difference, with the Italian's £33.6million move from Bologna expected to be sealed this week.

The 22-year-old was one of Italy's standout performers at Euro 2024 in a disappointing tournament for the Azzurri and while he featured mostly at centre back, Calafiori has also filled in at left back.

In fact, throughout his career, he has played 49 games on the left, as opposed to 43 in the centre of defence, although he tended to play at the heart of Bologna's back four last season.

With Gabriel and William Saliba having formed a formidable partnership for Arsenal, which saw them concede just 29 goals in the league in 2023-24, Calafiori could line up at left back in a similar role to that of Ben White on the right.

Like the Englishman, as a natural centre half, Calafiori would provide significant solidity for the Gunners.

He would also help to address what has been a slightly problematic position for Arteta in recent seasons.

Both Oleksandr Zinchenko and Jakub Kiwior have failed to convince, while Jurrien Timber and Takehiro Tomiyasu are both more comfortable on the right. 

Defensive midfield

A major decision for Arteta heading into the new campaign will be what he plans to do with Declan Rice.

The Englishman was slightly below par at Euro 2024, but he is no doubt one of the best midfielders in the Premier League, with his defensive skills and ability to break up play some of his standout qualities.

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However, in the latter stages of last season, Rice played slightly further forward, as Thomas Partey filled in in defensive midfield.

The impact was huge as Rice scored once and added three assists in the final five games, with the former West Ham star able to maraude up and down the inside left channel.

With Partey and Jorginho slightly unreliable due to their injury record, contract situation and age, it could be that Arteta moves Rice back into his screening role.

But, given the impact he had on the team when provided with more freedom, the addition of a top class defensive midfielder could transform Arsenal.

Martin Zubimendi, who made a major difference in the Euro 2024 final after replacing Rodri at half-time, has been a long-term target for the Gunners, while his Spain team-mate and former Newcastle flop Mikel Merino has also been linked with a move to the Emirates.

Bruno Guimaraes has previously been watched by Arsenal and the addition of a top class defensive midfielder could be the difference in turning the Gunners from nearly men to champions.  

Right wing

Euro 2024 was a strange campaign for England as despite several underwhelming displays, Gareth Southgate's side came so close to glory.

Not many Three Lions stars left Germany with much credit, but one who certainly did was Bukayo Saka.

The Arsenal man has proven to be a talisman for club and country in recent years, and last season was no different as he racked up 16 goals and nine assists across 35 Premier League games.

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However, while Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard dovetail on the left, the load is firmly placed on Saka on the right, with back-up right winger Reiss Nelson making just one top flight start in 2023-24.

That load took its toll on Saka towards the end of the campaign as he was continuously battling niggles and even missed their crunch final day clash against Everton through injury.

While Saka's position as the Gunners' talisman is never in doubt, the potential to improve their depth on the right would be significant in ensuring his fitness can be managed, while it would also provide another tantalising attacking option for Arteta. 

Nico Williams has been touted with a move to the Emirates and could fill this role, with the Athletic Bilbao star reportedly having a release clause of £49m. 

Williams' quality was clear for all to see at Euro 2024, where he lined up on the left wing, but the 22-year-old has tended to play most of his career on the right and would add significant depth to Arteta's squad.

Elsewhere, Turkey star Baris Alper Yilmaz and Wolves' Pedro Neto have also been linked with the Gunners in recent times. 

Striker

It's easy to lose count of the number of pundits, former players and supporters who have claimed Arsenal won't win the league until they sign a new striker and perhaps that position is the most pertinent of improvements needed for Arteta.

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While Kai Havertz proved to be extremely effective during the second half of last season up-front, the German is not a natural centre forward and that lack of a clinical No 9 cost Arsenal in big games.

Meanwhile, Gabriel Jesus has struggled for form and fitness in recent times, while Eddie Nketiah is clearly not fancied by Arteta.

It is one of the few positions where Arsenal lack a top quality option and although they still scored 91 goals across 38 games, this is another area which could revolutionise Arteta's side.

The tricky part is finding the right option to come in, with a whole host of strikers linked in recent times including Alexander Isak, Victor Osimhen, Dominic Solanke, Ivan Toney and Viktor Gyokeres.

However, the likelihood of signing some of those options is hugely unrealistic given the finances that would be involved, particularly for Isak and Osimhen.

Toney or Gyokeres are viewed as the most likely targets, with the Brentford star having just a year left on his contract and widely expected to move on this summer. 

The Englishman demonstrated his talent at Euro 2024 and his goal record, penalty prowess, plus his ability to act as a focal point, could make him a pivotal addition for the Gunners.

Meanwhile, Gyokeres has developed into a prolific marksman and on so many occasions it has felt like Arsenal are lacking that penalty box striker who can act as a poacher.

Whatever happens, Arteta's side are well-placed for another title charge and with a few strong additions, it would be hard to bet against them finally taking that extra step.