Mikel Arteta insists motivation is as high as ever at Arsenal as they attempt to hunt down Liverpool in the race for the Premier League title.

The Gunners have finished as runners-up to Manchester City in each of their last two campaigns, and sit six points behind the Reds at the halfway stage of this term.

Arne Slot's side also have a game in hand over their rivals, but speaking ahead of his side's clash with Brighton on Saturday, Arteta insists there is everything to play for.

He said: "With those numbers [the last two seasons], normally you win and we should have two Premier Leagues.

"The reality is we don't. You can always do better and improve, so there's more motivation, more eagerness, more enthusiasm to say: 'Can we still look at our team and say we can be better?'

"My answer is yes in every department, so let's go for it."

No team won more points in the Premier League than Arsenal in 2024 (85), with their 26 wins the most in one year for the club since 2004.

They are aiming to go even better in 2025 – and with the transfer window open, Arteta has not ruled out aiming to improve his squad this month.

He said: "There's the opportunity to bring players that you believe can impact. We are always open to that. It's natural that it happens.

"But that's one part. The main part is how can we get more out of the team, the individuals we have and put the focus there?"