Arsenal capped a season that saw the club win its first Premier League title in 22 years and reach the Champions League final, a campaign described by Mark Ogden and Gabriele Marcotti as a clear on-pitch success driven by tactical tweaks and an ambitious summer transfer plan.
Manager Mikel Arteta’s contract runs until the end of next season, and Ogden and Marcotti say the obvious move is to reward him with a new deal now that the season is over. They note there is no imminent danger of him leaving, but argue that securing him could aid Arsenal’s activity in the transfer window and that a discussion about how he wants the team to play next season should guide summer recruitment.
Ogden and Marcotti identify several players whose contracts expire at the end of next season: Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Jesus and Christian Nørgaard. They advise moving on from Jesus, citing his large wages and limited potential transfer fee. Martinelli, at 24, is expected to attract suitors and should command a decent fee after a season of reduced playing time. Trossard, who turns 32 in December, is valued for having a different profile and could be retained if willing to stay without an immediate new deal or to negotiate in the autumn. Nørgaard, who played little last year, is viewed as useful insurance in defensive midfield and, at 32, unlikely to bring a significant fee, so keeping him makes financial and sporting sense.
Opinions diverge on Arsenal’s forward options. Ogden argues the club should add another striker and names Julián Álvarez as a clear top target, while acknowledging he is linked to Barcelona and other clubs and would be expensive. Ogden would keep both Viktor Gyökeres and Kai Havertz as part of the squad.
Marcotti counters that signing Álvarez would likely require moving Havertz to help offset the cost. He notes Havertz’s residual book value is £24 million but that Arsenal should be able to obtain more on the transfer market despite the player’s wages. Marcotti also says the club needs a third option at center forward and would be content with promoting a young player for that role.
