Arsenal pursue Rogers, Kroupi and finalize Arteta deal in 2026

Arsenal aim to secure new deals for Arteta and pursue forwards Rogers and Kroupi after ending a 22-year title wait.

Trophy win shifts focus to summer With the red smoke still lingering over north London following Sunday’s celebratory parade, Arsenal’s attention quickly turns to reinforcing their Premier League-winning squad. The club’s rise under Mikel Arteta contrasts sharply with Liverpool’s struggles last season, where Arne Slot was dismissed just a year after winning the league. Arteta, now at the peak of his influence at the Emirates Stadium after ending a 22-year trophy drought, has mapped out a summer strategy that the club must now execute flawlessly. ## Arteta contract tops priority list Arsenal’s first task this summer is finalizing a new deal for Arteta, whose current contract expires at the end of next season. Negotiations were paused earlier to concentrate on the campaign’s conclusion, but talks will resume now that the historic league title has been secured. No final agreement is expected until Arteta returns from holiday, though early discussions were described as positive and club insiders believe a renewal is a matter of time rather than possibility. Despite this optimism, caution remains within the club, with officials determined to complete a deal well before the new season begins. ## Record-breaking pay expected for Arteta The new contract, likely to span at least three years, represents a significant wage increase over Arteta’s current earnings of £10m per season, plus an additional £5m for Champions League qualification. Once finalized, his deal would make him English football’s highest-paid manager, surpassing Pep Guardiola’s outgoing Manchester City contract valued at a minimum of £20m per year. The club’s co-chair, Josh Kroenke, recently emphasized the importance of keeping Arteta, stating: 'Keeping Mikel around is an utmost priority and I think the good news for Arsenal fans worldwide is he’s enjoying the project.' ## Transfer targets include Rogers and Kroupi Arteta’s squad-building plans for the upcoming season center on signing a central midfielder, forward, and full-back, with a focus on three primary targets for the forward role. Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers and Bournemouth’s Eli Junior Kroupi are both valued at over £80m, while Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez is being assessed at more than £120m. Any pursuit of these forwards could coincide with exits, as Arsenal are open to offers for Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli, and Leandro Trossard, whose contract expires in 12 months. Academy graduate Ethan Nwaneri’s future is also uncertain following his loan return from Marseille, with the club considering a homegrown sale that would generate pure profit. ## Rogers and Kroupi loom large in forward plans A potential move for Rogers has been discussed, though questions linger over his priority given Martin Odegaard and Eberechi Eze’s presence in central attacking roles. His versatility, particularly on the left, could prove valuable, and he is reportedly open to joining Arsenal next season. Manchester United is also monitoring Rogers’ situation. Meanwhile, Arsenal have explored a deal for Kroupi after his 13-goal Premier League campaign, which set a record for a teenage debutant. ## Alvarez, Monga and midfield options explored Arsenal’s dream signing remains Alvarez, though Barcelona’s strong interest complicates a potential move. The club has also shown interest in Leicester’s 16-year-old forward Jeremy Monga, one of English football’s top young prospects, who appears receptive to joining Arsenal despite possible tribunal complications regarding his transfer. In midfield, the club has discussed a deal for West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes, expected to leave following relegation, though the emergence of homegrown Lewis-Skelly may reduce the urgency for additional signings. ## Lewis-Skelly’s rise may alter midfield plans The club had previously considered offers for Lewis-Skelly, a 19-year-old midfielder, but his strong performances at the end of the season in his preferred position have prompted a reassessment. His development could lessen the need for another midfield acquisition, such as Fernandes, who fills a different role. The club’s approach to midfield reinforcements may shift based on Lewis-Skelly’s progress and fitness. ## Full-back and contract negotiations ongoing Arsenal have targeted a versatile full-back to strengthen the squad and scouted Newcastle’s Tino Livramento, though injuries disrupted his season. This position remains a key area for potential signings. Additionally, the club is nearing agreement on a new contract for right-back Jurrien Timber, with discussions initiated last season now approaching conclusion. Contract talks with midfielder Declan Rice are also expected to open soon. ## Balancing finances through sales With Arteta’s new deal, plus renewals for Timber and Rice, the club faces financial challenges that may necessitate selling first-team regulars to balance the books. The sale of Jakub Kiwior to Porto for £14.7m has already provided some relief, and further departures such as Christian Norgaard, Ben White, Fabio Vieira, and Reiss Nelson are possible. The club must decide whether to sacrifice key players to meet financial targets while finalizing their summer plans.