Arsenal's big summer - Arteta contract, £100m for Nwaneri and Lewis-Skelly
It is understood the three-year contract Arteta signed in 2024 is worth £10m a season plus a further £5m triggered by Champions League qualification. Only the salaries of Pep Guardiola (£20m) and Diego Simeone (£25m) are understood to eclipse Arteta's existing contract in European football. If Arteta does put pen to paper, how much closer he gets to Guardiola and Simeone in terms of pay will be a key question.
Josh Kroenke, the son of owner Stan and co-chair, and CEO Richard Garlick are leading the process for Arsenal and given the duo were also involved in renewing Arteta's existing deal in 2024, the club are well positioned. While renewing Arteta's deal is an obvious priority heading into the summer, the club will be open for business in terms of player trading. Josh Kroenke was in London towards the end of February during which he was updated on plans for the summer window.
Arsenal brought in seven permanent signings last summer to deepen the quality of the squad. There is a feeling the team does not require the same level of strengthening now. In terms of incomings, Arsenal 's recruitment team are set to target a versatile full-back, a central midfielder and left-winger.
While the plan for the summer is in place, Arsenal 's recruitment team - led by sporting director Andrea Berta – are aware they may also need to react to market conditions and opportunities when they arise. Expect there to be outgoings following the £250m spend of last summer to ensure the club remains financially sustainable and meets the Premier League's new squad cost ratio rules . Among the players the club are expected to listen to offers for are Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri, both of whom signed long-term contracts last summer.
Nwaneri has interest from Borussia Dortmund, who have a successful history of landing English football's best young talents. Rival Premier League sides are also monitoring the 19-year-old closely. Lewis-Skelly also has varying degrees of interest from top half Premier League sides.