Mikel Arteta has led Arsenal to a third consecutive second place in the Premier League, but will have to strengthen the expectation that the rivals of the Gunners will also improve
While Arsenal continues to wait for Martin Zubimendi, they have been busy in other departments. Midfield and attack seem to be the most important priorities this summer, while there has already been movement when it comes to discharging players who have been on the edge lately.
Kieran Tierney and Jorginho are leaving the club this summer, while Neto and Raheem Sterling return to their parent clubs after loan spells. However, there will be quite a few summer investments, with co-chairman Josh Kroenke who points to the arrival of the new sports director Andrea Berta as a precursor of a busy few months.
“We are planning to invest to go behind and do better the following season,” wrote Koenke in the program prior to the last home game of Arsenal. “We are pleased that we have our sports director, Andrea, who will play an important role in this.
“He is part of a united and strong team, supported by the board, which are crystal clear on exactly what we have to do and the way we want to do it. The right way. The Arsenal manner.”
However, it is not just about new signing sessions, where Arsenal also tries to bind important men to new contracts. Here are the latest rules of Mirror Football from the Stadium of Emirates.
Gabriel contract talks about progress
Arsenal is in advanced conversations about a new deal for Gabriel after the impressive season of the middle behind. According to BBC Sport, an agreement for the Brazil -International is getting closer.
Gabriel and fellow center-back William Saliba are both under contract until 2027, and there is a feeling that the Gunners want to avoid the risk of entering the last year and possibly leaving for nothing. Real Madrid is known as fans of Saliba, while the form of Gabriel served Arsenal well in the competition and in Europe last season.
The 27-year-old has played for Arsenal more than 200 times since he came to Lille in 2020. He also made his senior debut in Brazil while he was with the Gunners and played in 13 of the 14 qualifying games of his country.
Striker dilemma addressed
Arsenal's search for a new striker has been reduced to two men – Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko. Mirror Football has weighed the advantages and disadvantages of the couple, while the international manager of Gyokees has given his opinion on the next movement of the Sweden star.
“No, of course not,” Jon Dahl Tomasson told the Swedish Outlet Aftonbladet when he was asked if he preferred the next move of Gyokees. “Because it would be blown up like this [stretches arms].
“There are absolutely players who change clubs! We know that every year,” he went on. “If you look at every player, you have to make the right choice.
“You don't really know if it is the right choice before you are in the club. You also have family that you need in mind. It is not easy, but at the end of the day it is [football]. “
Ndicka deal of the table
Evan Ndicka will stay in Roma despite the interest of Arsenal. The French center-back is impressed by the Serie A despite a tumultuous season for his club, which cycles three managers on their way to fifth place.
The Ivorian International, who joined the Giallorossi in 2023, did not miss a minute in the competition under Daniele de Rossi, Ivan Juric or Claudio Ranieri. He was also a regular customer like Roma reached the round of 16 in the Europa League who eventually lost to Athletic Bilbao.
According to Corriere Dello Sport, however, he will not go anywhere this summer. The publication calls him as one of the eight “immobile” stars that stay in the Italian capital, whereby Gian Piero Gasperini was expected to take over the next term as a manager.