The red smoke from Arsenal's Premier League trophy parade still lingers over north London, but the club's focus has already shifted to building on their first domestic title in 22 years. Manager Mikel Arteta, acutely aware of how quickly fortunes can change—Liverpool's post-title collapse and Arne Slot's dismissal offer a stark warning—is determined to avoid a similar fate. Key decisions loom as the Gunners look to strengthen for a sustained challenge at home and in Europe.
The immediate priority is finalizing a new contract for Arteta, whose current deal expires at the end of next season. Talks, paused during the campaign, will resume this summer with positive momentum. A minimum three-year extension is expected, accompanied by a significant pay increase that would make Arteta the highest‑paid manager in England following Pep Guardiola's Manchester City departure. Currently on £10m per year plus a £5m Champions League qualification bonus, the new terms could approach Guardiola's £20m‑plus earnings. Co‑chair Josh Kroenke has publicly called keeping Arteta "an utmost priority," and the club is confident an agreement will be reached before the season starts.
On the pitch, Arsenal are targeting a central midfielder, a forward, and a full‑back, but must reconcile these plans with financial realities. Last summer's £250m spending spree, player contract renewals, and title‑winning bonuses demand a balanced book. Sales will be instrumental. Jakub Kiwior has already been sold to Porto for £14.7m, and the club is open to offers for Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli, Christian Norgaard, and Ben White. Leandro Trossard's contract, with just 12 months remaining, adds to the urgency, while Fabio Vieira and Reiss Nelson can also leave. A homegrown sale of academy graduate Ethan Nwaneri is under serious consideration, as it would represent pure profit on the balance sheet.
The forward shortlist features three high‑profile names. Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers, valued at over £80m, offers versatility across the front line, though questions remain about how he would fit alongside creators like Martin Ødegaard and Eberechi Eze. Manchester United are also monitoring the England international, but Rogers is open to a move to the Emirates. Bournemouth's Eli Junior Kroupi, also priced above £80m, caught attention with a record 13 Premier League goals as a teenage debutant. The dream target, however, is Atlético Madrid's Julián Álvarez, valued at more than £120m, though Barcelona's serious interest complicates Arsenal's pursuit. Additionally, Arsenal have moved for Leicester City's 16‑year‑old forward Jeremy Monga, considered one of English football's top young prospects. Monga is keen on the switch, though a tribunal may be required to determine a fee.
Midfield plans are fluid. West Ham's Mateus Fernandes, expected to leave following the club's relegation to the Championship, was discussed as an option. However, the emergence of Myles Lewis‑Skelly in his preferred central role during the season's final stretch has prompted a rethink. The 19‑year‑old's impressive displays may now dissuade Arsenal from selling him, despite the homegrown profit argument, and could alter the club's recruitment strategy in the middle of the park.
At full‑back, Newcastle United's Tino Livramento has been scouted as a versatile addition, but his injury‑disrupted campaign raises doubts over the move's viability. Arsenal are weighing their options in this area as they seek reliable cover and competition.
Beyond incomings, the club is committed to securing the futures of key performers. Contract talks with Jurrien Timber are progressing toward a conclusion, and Arsenal have signalled their intention to open extension negotiations with Declan Rice. These renewals underscore the long‑term project Arteta has instilled and the hierarchy's determination to keep the core intact.
Arteta's leverage has never been higher. After delivering the league title and reaching the Champions League final, he has explicitly stated that "important decisions" are needed to take the club to the next level. The owners, Kroenke Sports Entertainment, appear willing to back him with significant funds, both to retain his services and to fund a squad refresh capable of competing on multiple fronts.
This summer, then, is a juggling act: reward the manager and key players, move on squad members who no longer fit, and invest heavily in targeted acquisitions. The ambition is clear—turn a historic Premier League triumph into the foundation for sustained domestic and European success. Based on reporting from BBC Sport.
