For Mikel Arteta, the goal is to establish a legacy of enduring success. Securing a single trophy is commendable, but consistent victories truly define an exceptional team.
With Arteta's contract set to expire at the end of the upcoming season, the primary focus for all involved is to finalize a contract extension. This process is already underway and is expected to gain momentum following the Champions League final. All parties are keen to reach an agreement before the onset of the next season.
It is anticipated that Arteta will agree to a new deal that significantly enhances his current salary, which comprises a base of £10 million per season along with an additional £5 million contingent upon Champions League qualification.
Internally, there has also been speculation regarding the future of sporting director Edu, who has been linked to potential opportunities in Saudi Arabia, prompting discussions about extending his contract.
Arsenal has become a club that reflects Arteta’s vision, which was solidified when his title transitioned from head coach to manager in September 2020. He is part of the football leadership team alongside Stan Kroenke, Richard Garlick, James King, and Edu, forming a five-member group responsible for making critical football-related decisions.
Arteta’s coaching staff mirrors his intensity and passion, even with analysts visibly engaged during matches. Last summer, Arteta was joined by his longtime friend and former teammate Gabriel Heinze as an assistant coach, who has significantly influenced the team this season, introducing a motivational huddle for defenders before each match.
Arteta adopts a hands-on approach, knowing when to sternly address players and when to offer guidance. He has also excelled in delegating responsibilities among the backroom team, ensuring that players receive varied inputs and avoid monotony in coaching.
Having led the team to victory, attention now turns to the next season. Arsenal is interested in adding a midfielder, a left-winger, and a striker, with a sharper emphasis on offloading players after a substantial £250 million spending spree last year.
Last summer saw the departure of only one senior player, Albert Lokonga, but this time Arsenal has already confirmed the sale of defender Jakub Kiwior to Porto for an initial fee of £14.7 million. Meanwhile, Christian Norgaard, who was brought in for a potential £15 million, is also expected to leave. Offers for Ben White, Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus, and Fabio Vieira are anticipated.
The club is contemplating a significant homegrown sale that could provide clear profits on their financial statements. There have been internal discussions regarding the sale of Nwaneri, currently on loan at Marseille, or Lewis-Skelly, whose recent rise as a viable central midfield option has been noteworthy.
Maintaining a manageable wage bill is also a priority, though it proves challenging with defender Jurrien Timber and midfielder Declan Rice in line for new contracts soon, while several players, including Gabriel Magalhaes, William Saliba, Lewis-Skelly, Bukayo Saka, and Nwaneri, have recently renewed agreements.
With bonuses tied to this season’s success looming and Arteta’s salary expected to approach £20 million, controlling the club's expenses will be difficult. There is an increasing recognition behind the scenes that a squad rebuild is necessary, especially as several key players approach their late 20s.
This summer, Arsenal is interested in signing Leicester teenager Jeremy Monga, and with promising young talents like Dowman, Marli Salmon, Edwin, Holger Quintero, and Lewis-Skelly, there is optimism that the planned rebuild might not result in a significant dip in performance levels.
