Arsenal's ownership has made it clear that winning the Champions League will not lead to complacency in the transfer market. In an exclusive conversation, co-chair Josh Kroenke emphasized that the club is committed to reinforcing the squad regardless of Saturday's final result against Paris Saint-Germain. He also revealed that securing manager Mikel Arteta's long-term future with a new contract is the "utmost priority."
The Gunners are on the cusp of an historic double, having already clinched their first Premier League title in 22 years with a dramatic victory at Crystal Palace. Just days later, they face PSG in Budapest with a chance to be crowned European champions for the first time. The Kroenke family, who own the club outright through Kroenke Sports & Entertainment, were at Selhurst Park to witness the Premier League trophy presentation and are expected to attend the final. Josh Kroenke stressed that the club's philosophy mirrors their approach across their American sports franchises, which include Super Bowl, Stanley Cup, and NBA Championship victories. "Our experience of winning things in the States tells us that you can't stand still," he said. "The sun comes up the next day, and you have to get back to work because everyone else is trying to gain on you."
That mindset explains why Arsenal spent over £250 million last summer on players who transformed the squad from contenders to champions. Kroenke confirmed that similar investment will follow, irrespective of the outcome in Budapest. "We're going to look to strengthen because we know teams around us are going to get better. If you're not trying to continually evolve and improve, you're standing still," he stated. This echoes the aggressive blueprint set by Manchester City in previous years, and signals that Arsenal intend to build a dynasty rather than a one-off triumph.
The manager's contract situation is equally pressing. Arteta's deal expires at the end of next season, and Kroenke described extending it as the "utmost priority." Talks are expected to resume once the campaign concludes. Kroenke praised Arteta's deep connection to the club, noting "he's an Arsenal man through and through." Since replacing Unai Emery in 2019, Arteta has overseen a cultural overhaul, one that Kroenke admitted was necessary after the club's 4-1 defeat to Chelsea in the 2019 Europa League final in Baku. That loss, which Kroenke traveled across the globe to witness, convinced him and his father Stan that a reset was essential. "When we pivoted from Unai and came into Mikel, the conversations were all about culture and reinventing that, perhaps taking a step back to go forward," he recalled.
Arteta's tenure has been backed by nearly £1 billion in transfer spending, a figure that underlines the owners' commitment. The results are now tangible: a resilient, tactically flexible team that dethroned Manchester City. Yet Kroenke is adamant that the journey is only beginning. "Getting the foundations in place is usually the hardest part. Now it is about trying to stay at the top knowing everyone is trying to climb the mountain after you," he said. This perspective is born from the Kroenkes' success with the Los Angeles Rams, Colorado Avalanche, and Denver Nuggets, all of which sustained their competitiveness after winning titles.
Beyond the playing squad, the Kroenkes are planning significant investment in infrastructure. Kroenke revealed that the club is working with advisers on renovating the Emirates Stadium to elevate the matchday experience while preserving its iconic character. "There's some character I want to make sure we're preserving and bringing back to the ground as well," he said. This mirrors the family's portfolio in the U.S., where they own state-of-the-art venues like SoFi Stadium. The aim is to provide Arsenal supporters with an environment befitting a modern superclub.
For the Premier League, Arsenal's stance sends a clear warning. With Liverpool in transition, Manchester United rebuilding, and Chelsea still seeking consistency, the Gunners are positioning themselves as Manchester City's primary long-term challenger. By pledging to strengthen even from a position of strength, they are adopting the continuous improvement model that Pep Guardiola's side has perfected. This could trigger an even more intense spending race in upcoming transfer windows, particularly if clubs like Newcastle United and Aston Villa also accelerate their projects.
Arteta's likely contract extension will provide stability and a clear vision for the dressing room. It also strengthens Arsenal's hand in contract negotiations with key players, who will see a club committed to competing at the highest level. The manager's ability to attract top talent—already evident with signings like Declan Rice—will only improve with a long-term deal. Kroenke's public backing underlines the harmony between the boardroom and the dugout, a vital factor after years of fractured relationships under previous regimes.
Looking ahead, Arsenal's summer activity will be closely watched. While Kroenke did not specify positions, the mention of "strengthening" suggests a desire to add depth in multiple areas. The club's recruitment team, led by sporting director Edu Gaspar, has earned plaudits for its targeted approach. If Arsenal lift the Champions League trophy on Saturday, the allure of playing for the European champions will only amplify their pulling power in the market.
Ultimately, Kroenke's message is one of relentless ambition. "Champions of England sounds pretty good and champions of Europe could sound even better," he said, before adding that victory would not change "who we are." For a fanbase that once protested against the ownership, these words—backed by tangible investment—represent a remarkable turnaround. The challenge now is to deliver on that promise and cement Arsenal's place among Europe's elite.
Based on reporting from The Guardian.
