Arsenal’s first Premier League title in 22 years marked a historic high, but the north London club is already moving to consolidate its dominance. As the red smoke from Sunday’s trophy parade cleared, attention shifted immediately to a summer that will define whether Mikel Arteta’s project can evolve from champions to a dynasty. The fate of Liverpool under Arne Slot—sacked just 12 months after lifting the trophy—serves as a stark warning that fortifying the squad and the manager’s position are non-negotiable.
Central to that is securing Arteta’s long-term future. The Spaniard’s current contract expires at the end of next season, and BBC Sport understands that talks have progressed positively. The new deal is expected to run for a minimum of three years and would make Arteta the highest-paid manager in England, earning a significant increase on his current £10m base salary plus Champions League bonuses. “Keeping Mikel around is an utmost priority,” co-chair Josh Kroenke emphasized recently. “The good news is he’s enjoying the project.” With Pep Guardiola’s exit from Manchester City, Arteta’s leverage is at its peak.
To give Arteta the tools to repeat, Arsenal are targeting a central midfielder, a forward and a full-back—but finances are tight after a £250m spend last season. The club is mindful of balancing the books, meaning player sales will be essential. Already, Jakub Kiwior has been sold to Porto for £14.7m, and a host of first-team names could follow. Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard—whose deal expires in 12 months—are all believed to be available for the right offers.
The forward shortlist is headlined by three ambitious targets. Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers, valued in excess of £80m, is wanted for his versatility across the attacking line. The 23-year-old England international is open to a move to the Emirates, though Manchester United are also monitoring him. Bournemouth’s Eli Junior Kroupi, who scored 13 Premier League goals as a teenage debutant—a record for a player his age—is another £80m-plus option. Meanwhile, Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez is the dream signing, but at more than £120m and with Barcelona seriously interested, a deal faces stiff competition.
Arsenal’s scouting net has also captured Leicester City’s 16-year-old forward Jeremy Monga, regarded as one of England’s brightest prospects. Monga is open to joining, though a move could require a tribunal fee. Closer to home, the club is seriously weighing a homegrown sale of academy graduate Ethan Nwaneri, who returned from a loan at Marseille. Such a sale would represent pure profit on the balance sheet—a key consideration under financial rules.
In midfield, West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes had been discussed as a potential target following the Hammers’ relegation to the Championship. However, the emergence of Myles Lewis-Skelly in a central role late in the season has prompted a rethink. The 19-year-old’s performances may convince Arteta that an internal solution exists, potentially altering the club’s transfer priorities. Other midfielders like Christian Norgaard and Fabio Vieira could be sold to raise funds, while Ben White and Reiss Nelson are also available.
At full-back, Arsenal have looked at Newcastle’s Tino Livramento as a versatile option to bolster the squad. The 23-year-old has suffered an injury-disrupted campaign, but his ability to play on both flanks fits the profile Arteta desires. However, with finances tight, any move may hinge on outgoings first.
While new signings dominate headlines, contract renewals are equally pressing. A new deal for right-back Jurrien Timber is close to completion, with talks heading towards a conclusion. The Gunners have also signalled their intention to open discussions with Declan Rice over an extension. Locking down key performers is part of the wider strategy to maintain squad cohesion after a transformative season.
Arteta’s own new contract would not only secure his future but also signal to potential recruits that the project has long-term backing. However, the sheer scale of activity required—balancing expensive incomings with player sales—means a delicate summer awaits. The club’s willingness to listen to offers for high-profile names underlines the financial realities behind the title celebrations.
Arsenal’s historic season has reset expectations, but as Liverpool’s rapid decline showed, standing still is not an option. The coming weeks will reveal how aggressively the Gunners can move to turn Arteta’s blueprint into reality, with a renewed contract for the manager the cornerstone of an ambitious but financially disciplined window.
Based on reporting from BBC Sport.
