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Mikel Arteta has hinted at an exciting summer transfer window for Arsenal as he aims to strengthen the squad’s depth to compete in multiple competitions next season.
WHAT HAPPENED?
Arsenal are preparing for a significant summer transfer window, with Arteta expressing his excitement about the club’s plans to bolster the squad. The Gunners’ manager emphasized the need to increase the depth and quality of the team to take the next step in their ambitions and chase for titles. Arteta stated, “It’s going to be a big one (summer) and we are very excited about it. When you are going to go again, we want to increase the depth of the squad and the quality and the skills that we need to go to the next step.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Arsenal’s squad depth has been tested this season, with the team competing in multiple competitions. The Gunners are currently second in the Premier League title race, sitting 12 points behind Liverpool. However, their lack of depth has been exposed, particularly in the attacking positions, with both Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus sidelined and Bukayo Saka only now starting to make a comeback after being sidelined for 3 months after a hamstring injury and surgery.The appointment of Andrea Berta as the new sporting director, replacing Edu, signals Arsenal’s intent to strengthen their recruitment strategy. Berta, formerly of Atletico Madrid, will work alongside Arteta to identify and secure transfer targets that fit the club’s vision.
WHAT ARTETA SAID
Discussing the upcoming transfer window, Arteta explained, “Every summer is big because it is an opportunity and especially because of the number of players we have in the squad right now that is necessary. It’s not only about investing. There are certain positions where probably we didn’t expect to have someone like Ethan [Nwaneri] or Myles [Lewis-Skelly] contributing, which has been great.”He added, “We need to be smart, we need to be efficient and, again, it needs to be the right profile of the people and the players that fit in here. Like the plot that we have in here to go to the next step.”. As usual, Arsenal will try to balance between new transfers and promoting academy graduates with, as we know, one of the best youth teams and academies in England.
WHAT’S NEXT FOR ARSENAL?
Arsenal’s immediate focus is on their upcoming Premier League match against Fulham at the Emirates on Tuesday. The Gunners will look to reduce their distance to the top of the table as they push for their first Premier League title since 2004. In the longer term, Arsenal fans can look forward an active summer transfer window as the club aims to build on their recent progress and challenge for multiple trophies in the 2025-26 season.
Arsenal will also play in the Champions League Quarter-finals against Real Madrid, with the 1st hand scheduled for the 8th of April.
