Mikel Arteta has confirmed he is in regular talks with Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke.
The Spaniard has not been shy in expressing his opinion in regard to what it will take to get the Gunners challenging for major honours again.
In fact, just minutes after seeing his side beat Liverpool 2-1 at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night, he doubled down on his warning regarding how much of a challenge it will be to emulate Jurgen Klopp's achievements without addressing Arsenal's weaknesses.
"A big concern. You just have to see how they build those squads," he said when asked about concerns that Arsenal may not have the funds to strengthen his hand next season.
"There's no magic. You need to improve the squad with quality, quality players. You need bigger squads to compete in this competition."
That was a clear message to Stan and Josh Kroenke.
The billionaire owner has since been urged to back Arteta in the summer transfer market by handing the Gunners boss a budget of £150m amid links to Thomas Partey and Dayot Upamecano.
Speaking ahead of this weekend's FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City, Arteta has revealed he can 'pick up the phone whenever he wants' to speak with Kroenke.
"I speak with them and I have a really, really good and open relationship, that's why when you mention that I am surprised because I don't need to do that," Arteta said.
"I can make a phonecall and speak to them and they have been very, very supportive from the first day that I joined the club and they were very much participating in the decision to bring me back here and the same with Raul and Vinai and Edu.
"There are no gaps or friction or anything there."
