Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has indicated that he foresees another active summer in the club’s transfer market, driven by their expected return to European competitions next season. After missing out on continental football for the first time in 25 years last season, Arsenal is poised to make a comeback on the European stage.
Having invested over £100 million in the previous summer on players like Ben White, Aaron Ramsdale, and Martin Odegaard, all under the age of 24, Arsenal’s strategy has proven successful. The team is currently fifth in the Premier League, level on points with fourth-placed Tottenham and with a game in hand.
Whether Arsenal qualifies for the Champions League or Europa League, a larger squad is required to compete domestically and in Europe. Arteta recognizes the challenge of balancing a return to continental competition with improved league performance and is confident that the club will provide the necessary funds.
When asked about expectations for another busy summer in player recruitment, Arteta affirmed, “I am expecting so, yes.” He emphasized that both European competitions necessitate a larger squad due to the increased number of games played. Regardless of the qualification outcome, Arteta expressed the desire for a squad comprising 22 outfield players and three goalkeepers, acknowledging the time and various factors involved in achieving this.
Despite injuries to key players Thomas Partey and Kieran Tierney impacting Arsenal’s quest for a top-four finish, Arteta defended the decision to let several players, including Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Calum Chambers, and Ainsley Maitland-Niles, leave in January without signing replacements. He noted that these players were not extensively used, and their departure aligned with individual requests for playing opportunities. Arteta asserted that the decision was made based on what was deemed right for the team and the players seeking more playing time after months of limited minutes.