Arsenal are closing in on a first Premier League title in more than 20 years but regardless of whether or not they win silverware, they look set for a summer of change
Mikel Arteta and Arsenal have held discussions over a new contract(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt/AMA)
Mikel Arteta wants assurances that Arsenal will continue to back him following talks over a contract extension, as the Spaniard and the Premier League leaders prepare for another significant summer.
Arteta, 44, has re-established the Gunners as one of the Premier League’s elite teams during his tenure with the north London outfit currently on course to clinch their first domestic title in more than 20 years with just a handful of games remaining this term. And given the tangible progress Arsenal have made under Arteta, who has finished second in the Premier League three years in a row, both parties are looking to the future.
BBC Sport report that talks between Arteta and the club hierarchy over a new deal are already underway, with the Arsenal boss’ current terms, worth £10million a season and agreed back in 2024, having less than 12 months to run.
While talks are said to be ‘heading in a positive direction’, it is noted that Arteta is understood to be seeking assurances that the club will continue to give him the level of backing he has enjoyed in recent years.
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Other aspects of negotiations, such as Arteta’s new salary, will also need to be thrashed out in the coming months, but the club are also focusing heavily on the upcoming summer transfer window.
Arteta has been backed handsomely in recent years to build a squad capable of challenging for major honours, and after spending more than £250m in last year’s summer window, significant outgoings are on the cards as well as more new signings.
The club are ready to listen to offers for academy graduates Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri, despite the fact that both players signed new long-term contracts last year. Lewis-Skelly has fallen down the pecking order this term while Nwaneri went out on loan to Marseille in January. Any proceeds raised from selling both players would count as ‘pure profit’ in accounting terms.
Senior squad members are also on the chopping block, including Gabriel Martinelli. The Brazilian has scored just once in the Premier League this term with Arsenal big admirers of Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers.
Gabriel Jesus is another player who could be sold, along with Ben White. Both would likely command substantial transfer fees.
One player who is looking more likely to stay at the Emirates beyond this season, despite speculation to the contrary, is Martin Odegaard. The Norway midfielder has come under scrutiny during periods of Arsenal’s title challenge but Arteta wants to retain the services of his captain.
Arsenal are looking strengthen at full-back as well as other positions and are big admirers of Tino Livramento, while they also hold an interest in two of his Newcastle team-mates, Sandro Tonali and Anthony Gordon.
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