Arsenal is in the midst of potentially long-lasting changes. The club have signaled their intent to drastically overhaul their first-team squad ahead of next season. The team only has 22 players officially on their roster right now. The probable exits of Kieran Tierney, Jorginho, Raheem Sterling and Neto reduce the list to a mere 18. Mikel Arteta, the head coach of the football club, faces huge challenges. He doesn’t make promises, though he is focused on changing excuses to outcomes, particularly at the centre forward position and how the midfield connects to attack.
The club is actively pursuing improvements while simultaneously addressing contract situations involving several key players. Josh Kroenke has pledged significant investment and Arsenal finally hired a new sporting director in Andrea Berta. Taken together, none of this would be enough if the team’s leadership weren’t deeply committed to improving on the performance field.
Squad Changes and Departures
While Arsenal continues to trim the fat on an overstocked squad, the almost certain departures of Tierney and Jorginho are worth remembering. Both players have been key to the club’s success, and their absences will create holes that need to be filled. By losing these 6 players, Arsenal’s available squad size would be reduced to a mere 18 members. This passing cutback has led to an alarming worry about the team’s depth and competition for places.
In particular, the centre forward role has further defined itself as a spot where improvement would be paramount. The club’s struggles in scoring goals last season highlighted the need for a reliable striker. Whether Arteta can find and land the perfect replacement will be key to overcoming this weak link.
The midfield is pretty much a done deal. Arsenal are said to be close to adding Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad, who would directly replace Jorginho. This rumored acquisition has the chance to bring new life and imagination to the center of the pitch, helping balance the formation and bolster the attack.
Contract Uncertainties
Amidst these changes, several prominent players are entering the final two years of their contracts, creating uncertainty around their futures. William Saliba, Bukayo Saka, and Gabriel Magalhaes are being placed in contract limbo. This makes it very important for the club to begin discussions over renewing their contracts.
Eventually, especially with Gabriel Martinelli only two years from the end of his contract. He will have to decide what his future looks like soon. His influence on the pitch is equally irrefutable. It will be important for Arsenal’s title ambitions next season to make retaining his services a priority.
Moreover, Thomas Partey is in the last months of his contract and has an uncertain situation at the club. If one key player is to leave, Arsenal’s midfield balance could be thrown into serious doubt. Picture this nightmare scenario, especially if they can’t find a replacement before the deadline.
Strategic Focus and Future Investments
Arsenal are getting ready for the upcoming campaign. The club’s hierarchy is fully committed to making the largest-ever visible and stated investments to the squad. Ownership Josh Kroenke has made unequivocal public statements about improving the team this summer. This pledge is very much in keeping with Arteta’s vision of a younger, hungrier, more competitive side – one that can start challenging for honors again.
Additionally, the appointment of Andrea Berta as sporting director shows a strong ‘win now’ mindset in charge of the club now. His experience in player management and recruitment will no doubt come into play as Arsenal look to assemble a more intimidating squad.
Arteta has been aware of how injuries have affected Arsenal’s consistency and should be a clear improvement. He further noted that other teams have run into the same bug. The new club’s priority should be on improving its backline. With Oleksandr Zinchenko on his way it seems, urgency is the name of the game. Providing additional depth in this department would limit the danger of injuries and provide a more stable unit over the course of the season.
Arsenal knows it needs to identify a player capable of replicating Bukayo Saka’s production on the other side. Attracting that kind of talent would offer depth and help make Seattle less predictable with its attacking options.
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