The summer transfer window opens next week, on Monday, June 15, and Mikel Arteta plans to take Arsenal to ‘another level’ with ‘very ambitious’ signings.
Arsenal only have a week or so left to prepare for the opening of the transfer window. Despite having spent in the region of £250m on new players last summer, the Gunners are expected to splash the cash again as Mikel Arteta looks to get his hands on more silverware.
Not only does the Spaniard, who’s spent about £930m on talent since he replaced Unai Emery in the dugout six-and-a-half years ago, want to defend the Premier League title, but he also plans on finally winning the Champions League.
Last term, the north London outfit were just minutes away from defeating Luis Enrique’s side and winning Europe’s elite competition for the first time in their history. Arsenal stumbled at the final hurdle, losing on penalties, leaving Arteta craving for even more success.
Shortly after the game, Arteta quickly turned his attention to next season, voicing his ambition to lead Arsenal to ‘another level’. Speaking to reporters, the Gunners boss said: “First of all, I will take a few days with my family, and then we will start the process to review what we have done.
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“We will have to start making some very important decisions if we want to reach another level. We are going to have to show that ambition because we are more than capable of doing it, but it is going to demand us to be very ambitious, very fast and very smart.”
So, with that being said, football.london has taken a look at NUMBER things that Arsenal need to do before Arteta returns from his holiday and goes on another ‘very ambitious’ spending spree.
Three Arsenal stars axed
Before Arteta gets his feet back under the table at the Sobha Realty Training Centre, Andrea Berta needs to streamline the squad. The Arsenal sporting director should begin by selling Kepa Arrizabalaga, who last season proved that he’s unreliable between the sticks in the absence of David Raya.
The former Chelsea goalkeeper ultimately cost the Gunners a piece of silverware, making a couple of high-profile mistakes in the Carabao Cup final. If Arsenal want to compete on all fronts next term, Kepa should not be the second-string shot-stopper.
The Gunners could also do with offloading Fabio Vieira and Reiss Nelson. Not only would Arsenal benefit from getting them off the wage bill, but it’s also about time they prioritised their careers and each found a club where they have a future.
To be sold: Kepa Arrizabalaga, as well as Fabio Vieira and Reiss Nelson, who spent the season on loan.
Berta needs to solve contract dilemma
Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus, and Christian Norgaard will enter the final year of their respective contract at the Emirates Stadium next month. In January, foreign clubs will be eligible to open pre-contract talks with either of four Arsenal players over a free transfer in June 2027 – unless, of course, they sign new deals beforehand.
So, if Trossard, Martinelli, Jesus, and Norgaard don’t pen extensions, Berta will be forced to stick or twist. The Gunners chief must weigh up whether he’d rather risk losing them for free or just cut his losses and cash in this summer.
To resolve the futures of: Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus, and Christian Norgaard.
Arsenal finally sign Vlahovic
This summer, Arsenal need to significantly bolster Arteta’s attacking options. Dusan Vlahovic, who looks set to leave Juventus once his contract expires in the next month or so, would be a good addition to the armoury at the Emirates Stadium.
Although the 26-year-old striker wouldn’t necessarily start every week, he’s a similar profile to Viktor Gyokeres, leaving the door open for Berta to still sign Julian Alvarez or Eli Junior Kroupi. By signing Vlahovic, Arteta would also have the freedom to play Kai Havertz in midfield, as he has done so on occasions in the past.
To sign on a free: Dusan Vlahovic.
