Arsenal director Josh Kroenke believes competing for the Premier League title means the Gunners can also mix it with the Champions League elite.
The north London outfit have been surprise pace setters in the top flight this term, winning nine of their 10 games so far. Last season Mikel Arteta's side narrowly missed out on the top four and they were looking to improve on that showing, but have, so far, exceeded expectations.
The Kroenke ownership has been heavily criticised throughout its time at the helm. Owner Stan is rarely seen at games and Josh has notably taken on more of a hands-on role in recent years. The Kroenkes have been prepared to pump money into the squad in recent summers, which has increased Arsenal's competitiveness as they set lofty ambitions, backing Arteta's vision.
Josh said in an interview previously: "I state the Premier League as our goal. It is the strongest league in the world and if you’re competing for that trophy then you’re competing for every other trophy in the game.
"But if you’re competing for the Premier League trophy you’re competing for the Champions League trophy."
Arsenal have not competed in Europe's elite club competition since 2017, when they were knocked out in the last 16 by Bayern Munich. They've also not figured in a title race for a considerable period, coming second to Leicester City in 2016 whilst their Invincible season in 2003-04 remains their last league success.
The club's decision to stick by Arteta, who is into his third full year at the helm, is beginning to look a shrewd move. The Spanish coach, hired from Manchester City without any major experience, won the FA Cup inside eight months, before criticism followed his first two campaigns at the helm.
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But he has built his squad steadily over several transfer windows as Arsenal made a decision to invest in youth. That is now paying off with the likes of Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, club captain Martin Odegaard and Aaron Ramsdale all fixtures in their starting XI.
Josh claims their recruitment strategy mirrors that of their sports team which they own in America. It has resulted in success across the pond with the Los Angeles Rams winning the most recent Super Bowl and the Arsenal chief is confident "special times are ahead".
He said: “In the United States we have a certain model [used at other organisations run by Kroenke Sports & Entertainment] and we’re implementing that here, and we have over the last three years, which is, young players, talented players with the right mentality, let them grow together while continuing to sprinkle in talent throughout the squad.
“Eventually it grows into something very special. The power of continuity behind the scenes and people working together and pulling in the same direction is an underrated aspect of pro sports. With the power of continuity and allowing this group to grow together, special times are ahead for this club.”
