Edu has explained everything here about their project:
https://arseblog.news/2021/09/edu-calls-for-patience-as-he-explains-arsenals-new-project/
We had 21 players exit over the year. All of those were terminated or we tried to sell, or we tried to loan with an obligation to buy as well. We tried to clear a bit of the squad and bring in some new faces. We had 21 outgoings and signed 10 players in one year.
“So, 21 changes, it is a lot. It’s more than a squad in one year. But this was the intention again when we are talking about the base and the foundation. We have to create it again to one day just go and sign one or two players.”
Quite how big that next step is, remains to be seen. As a man under pressure, Edu unsurprisingly side-stepped the opportunity to outline definitive targets.
“I don’t want to go for top four or top six or top eight or top 10,” he said.
“I’m just really looking forward to seeing this squad play together. I’m really looking forward to seeing everyone fit. I want to see our squad because I don’t see it yet. But I’m really looking forward to it because I believe and Mikel believes that this team can have a good season
Conte is a better coach and has had a better attacking options with Son - Kane partnership, while Arteta was stuck with regressed Aubameyang and Lacazette and many young players.