Arsenal midfielder Mikel Arteta has declared that the club's current crop of players are highly motivated to deliver success this season.
The Gunners are desperate to end a trophy drought that stretches back to 2005, a barren run that Arteta believes has created a mental barrier at the club.
He told The Mirror: "We feel extra pressure. We're at a massive club where there is a responsibility to win trophies. It makes me more motivated. We've got a stronger squad and I think we should be much closer this time.
"I believe we can be contenders again, but it also creates a genuine atmosphere for the fans and they need that because we haven't won trophies in the last years. They need something back. The support has been quite impressive.
"I believe in what we have but if we can strengthen a bit then we are going to make the gap with the other teams much closer. That's what we're looking for. It will be unbelievable to win trophies. I don't think we're that far away. The fact that we haven't won it for eight years makes it harder mentally to believe. But that's what we need to do."
Arteta has also welcomed the club's willingness to chase star signings this summer, insisting that reported transfer targets such as Luis Suarez of Liverpool can markedly improve the squad.
Liam Power
