Kroenke set to attend Carabao Cup final
[Getty Images] Arsenal co-chairman Josh Kroenke has flown in from the USA to attend this weekend's Carabao Cup final against Manchester City. Kroenke has arrived in London ahead of Sunday's showpiece, which could see the Gunners secure their first trophy en route to what could be a historic quadruple. Victory this weekend would also represent the club's first piece of silverware since Mikel Arteta led Arsenal to FA Cup glory in front of an empty Wembley because of Covid in 2020.
Kroenke is, by-and-large, based out of the USA but makes occasional visits to London in his role as one of the club's key figureheads. There are also indications that Kroenke family patriarch Stan, founder of Kroenke Sports and Entertainment who own Arsenal, could attend provided his schedule allows. The 78-year-old's presence at Arsenal is more infrequent than that of son Josh, who takes a greater hand in the running of the club.
Kroenke Snr's attendance at Wembley on Sunday is still to be confirmed, but sources are not ruling out his attendance. During his stay in London, Josh is likely to meet with Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta to be updated on the club's plans for the summer transfer window. Despite spending about £250m on new players last summer, Arsenal will look to strengthen the squad ahead of next season, though there is likely to be an emphasis on rebalancing finances with sales to help supplement spending.
It is understood Arsenal have identified full-back, central midfielder and left wing as areas that require strengthening. The issue of Arteta's contract also needs addressing, with the Spaniard's current deal due to expire at the end of next season. Arteta, whose current deal is understood to be worth £15m a season inclusive of bonuses, has established a reputation as one of European football's top coaches and would earn a sizeable increase on his existing terms should he commit beyond the summer of 2027.