Arsenal Manager Arteta Confident in Board’s Summer Transfer Plans

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says he trusts the club’s leaders to make smart transfers this summer. Arsenal recently finished second in the Premier League.

WHAT HAPPENED?

After Arsenal‘s 1-0 win over Newcastle, Arteta spoke about the club’s transfer plans. He said he wants to “finish the season, go to the beach, enjoy a few days and make sure the ones upstairs, they do what they have to do.”
This happened after Liverpool won the Premier League title last month, which means Arsenal finished second for the third season in a row.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Arsenal are planning to make big changes to their team this summer. Reports say the Gunners are close to signing Martín Zubimendi from Real Sociedad, and they are also interested in Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams. The club is looking for a top striker, with RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyökeres, and Newcastle’s Alexander Isak being considered. Arsenal also need to address several outgoings, with Thomas Partey’s contract expiring and loan players Raheem Sterling and Neto set to leave.

Arsenal are currently second in the Premier League with 83 points from 37 matches. They are five points behind champions Liverpool with one game to go. The Gunners have improved significantly this season, winning 25 games, drawing 8, and losing only 4. They have scored 85 goals and conceded just 28, the best defensive record in the league.

SQUAD CHALLENGES AHEAD

Arteta has highlighted the need for a larger squad next season, especially with several players facing long-term injuries. Key defenders Gabriel Magalhaes and striker Gabriel Jesus are currently sidelined and may miss the start of the new campaign. “With the numbers that we started the season and [the numbers] to provide for next season, with the demands we’re going to have and especially with the players that we have who are coming through long-term surgeries, it’s very unrealistic [to deliver trophies],” Arteta explained.

The club has already appointed new sporting director Andrea Berta to help Arsenal reach the next level. Meanwhile, contract talks are planned with several key players including Bukayo Saka, William Saliba, and promising youngsters Miles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri.

WHAT NEXT FOR ARSENAL?

Arsenal finish their Premier League season next Sunday against Everton at the Emirates Stadium. After that, attention will turn to the summer transfer window, which officially opens on June 14. With Champions League football secured for next season, the Gunners will need to strengthen their squad depth to compete on multiple fronts. The pressure is mounting on Arteta and the Arsenal board to finally bridge the gap and deliver the Premier League title that has eluded them since 2004.