Mikel Arteta has led Arsenal to the Premier League title and is set for a new contract at The Emirates, but the Gunners will look to evolve the squad this summer
Arsenal are set to reward Mikel Arteta for their Premier League triumph with a new contract – and another spending spree to bolster the squad.
The Gunners are keen to tie down Arteta with a two-year extension, as the Spaniard’s current deal only has one year left to run. It is just reward for Arteta, who has done a remarkable job in six-and-a-half years at the club, leading them to their first title in 22 years.
Having also led the side to the Champions League final, Arteta is certain to see a big improvement from his current £5m-a-year with huge Champions League bonuses. And the Gunners boss is set to see the club’s hierarchy back another big summer transfer window – even though there will need to be departures as well as arrivals.
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Gunners sporting director Andrea Berta is leading the charge to further strengthen Arsenal’s forward line, with Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez a target. The World Cup winner appeals because he is proven at the top level, prolific and versatile – a key point in Arsenal’s recruitment plans.
They also want to strengthen on the left wing and in central midfield. West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes is one of several players they’ve looked at with Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali also admired. Tabs are also being kept on Porto’s Victor Froholdt.
They would ideally like a centre half to strengthen the squad, although any incoming would have to be persuaded, as they’ll be operating as back up to William Saliba and Gabriel.
Arsenal have to sell this summer and there’s no doubt that they will not splash the cash as much as they did last year, when they spent £250m on the likes of Viktor Gyokeres and Noni Madueke.
Former Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus has returned from injury but is third choice. He has a year left on his contract and could be on his way because of a lack of game time while there could be other big name departures to help balance the books.
Ethan Nwaneri is an interesting case. Borussia Dortmund tried to sign him last summer and remain keen. Arsenal sent him on loan to Marseille to work with Roberto De Zerbi, but that certainly didn’t work out as planned and Arsenal could sell as the academy graduate, who is down the pecking order in his preferred roles, equates to pure profit.
Gabriel Martinelli is another whose future is in doubt. He’s no longer a guaranteed starter and, with Leandro Trossard having usurped him in the pecking order and club bosses looking at alternatives in his position, is set to be available and is attracting interest.
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