da 888casino： Despite their improvements this season, the Gunners have lot to sort out ahead of the 2023-24 Premier League campaign
da gbg bet： Arsenal face a huge summer as they look to build on the impressive season they have enjoyed under Mikel Arteta. With some high profile arrivals and departures expected, it’s going to be a big few months for the Gunners leading up to the 2023-24 campaign, when they will not just be competing in the Premier League, but in the Champions League as well.
From player contracts, to new signings, there are plenty of situations that need resolving before the new season gets underway in August.
Below, GOAL takes a look at some of the most pressing matters facing Arsenal over the coming weeks…
Getty ImagesSaliba’s contract
Arsenal have done some great work when it comes to getting key players tied down to new long-term deals. Gabriel Magalhaes started things off earlier in the season, then Gabriel Martinell followed suit, and in the past fortnight extensions have been announced for Aaron Ramsdale and Bukayo Saka.
But despite talks having been ongoing throughout the season with William Saliba’s representatives, the centre-back has yet to put pen to paper on a deal of his own.
And with just 12 months of his current contract remaining, that is something that has to be resolved quickly this summer for Arsenal to avoid being placed in a difficult position with the France international, who could walk away on a free transfer at the end of the 2023-24 season.
That’s why it’s imperative that contract talks come to a swift conclusion over the coming weeks.
AdvertisementGettySign Rice and replace Xhaka
An overhaul of the midfield is going to be one of the key parts of Arsenal’s summer, with their attempt to land Declan Rice at the heart of it all.
With Granit Xhaka set for Bayer Leverkusen, a new face is needed and Arsenal have identified Rice as a priority. He will not be the only midfield arrival, as there is also interest in Moises Caicedo, Mason Mount and Ilkay Gundogan, but the West Ham skipper is the man who Mikel Arteta really wants.
It would be a huge signing for Arsenal if they can get it done, one that would send a message of intent out ahead of the rest of the summer.
Sort out Smith Rowe’s future
Emile Smith Rowe remains a hugely popular figure at Arsenal, which is why his continued absence from the team on a weekly basis causes so much debate. Given what he produced last season, it’s understandable that fans are confused as to why the attacking midfielder is being constantly overlooked by Arteta.
So Arenal need to make a decision this summer when it comes to Smith Rowe, because his current situation is not helping anybody. If Arteta does not see his part of his long-term plan, then he should be moved on, with the money that comes in being reinvested elsewhere.
GettyMake a decision on Balogun
Another player who Arsenal must decide on is Folarin Balogun. After enjoying such an incredible season on loan with Reims in France, Balogun is due for talks with Arsenal over his future this summer.
He has already made it known that he wants to be playing regular first-team football next season and at present that looks unlikely at Arsenal. And with Balogun having just two years left on his contract, another loan spell will not do the club any good, unless he signs an extension before he went out.
That scenario looks all but impossible, so it feels like the best thing Arsenal can do this summer is get as much money for Balogun as they possibly can. His stock is incredibly high right now and with several clubs understood to be interested, the young forward should bring in a very big transfer fee.