Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has emphasized the need for discipline during negotiations in the upcoming summer transfer window. The Gunners made some key signings in January, including Leandro Trossard, Jorginho and Jakub Kiwior, to boost their chances of winning the Premier League title for the first time since 2004. However, Arteta is keen on bolstering his options in central midfield and has reportedly set his sights on West Ham’s Declan Rice.
Despite his desire to strengthen the squad, Arteta stressed that the club will be careful with their spending at the end of the season. “When it is necessary for the right profile of players and we can afford it, it will make sense,” he told ESPN. “But only if it is the right profile, the right price and we can afford it without damaging ourselves. That’s a really, really thin line and I think we have to have a lot of discipline as well.”
Arteta is confident that Arsenal will continue to improve under Stan Kroenke’s ownership. “It took some time to position themselves where they wanted, in terms of how much of the club they own and how much they could decide and how much they could really benefit the club in the way they believe is the right way to take it,” he said. “I believe they were really patient in exactly the right way. Now they have shown they are fully committed, they have big ambitions and they are fully behind the club to give everything they can to make it successful.”
The summer transfer window is expected to open in June, but the exact date has not been confirmed yet. Despite this uncertainty, Arteta is focused on ensuring that Arsenal makes the right moves in the transfer market. “We have to be very clear on what we want to achieve and how we want to do it,” he said. “We have to be very specific on what we need and what we don’t need. We have to be very disciplined in our approach and make sure that we don’t make any mistakes.”
Arteta’s cautious approach to transfers is understandable given Arsenal’s recent financial struggles. The club has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, with revenue streams drying up due to the absence of fans from stadiums. As a result, Arsenal has had to cut costs and reduce its wage bill in order to balance the books.
Despite these challenges, Arteta remains optimistic about Arsenal’s future. He believes that the club has a bright future ahead of it and that with the right investment, it can compete with the best teams in Europe. “I am convinced the owners will continue to do everything they can to make us very successful and continue to invest in the club in the right way,” he said.
Overall, Arteta’s comments suggest that Arsenal will be cautious in their approach to transfers this summer. While the club is keen to strengthen its squad, it will not do so at any cost. Instead, Arsenal will focus on identifying players who fit Arteta’s vision for the team and who can help take the club forward in the coming years.