Mikel Arteta has insisted that Arsenal have no intention of selling any of their best players this summer. The Gunners head into this Sunday’s clash with Leeds in pole position to secure Champions League football next season.
Arsenal are two points clear of fifth-placed Tottenham with just four games remaining, and the two sides will meet in a crucial North London derby on May 12. Although the immediate aim is on their four remaining fixtures Arteta will have one eye on this summer’s transfer window.
The Gunners will need to significantly strengthen their squad to cope with the rigours of domestic and European football next season. The forward line in particular will require major surgery with Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah both out of contract next month.
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However, whilst the recruitment of players will be essential to continue their upward trajectory, keeping their prized assets is every bit as vital whether they secure a top-four finish or fall short. When pressed on whether any of his stars could be on their way out of the Emirates Stadium this summer, Arteta said: "What we want to do is improve the team and the squad.
"There’s not a player that can’t improve. We want to retain our best players for sure and add quality and depth.
"We have to be prepared for when we’re going to do that and why. We can control those timings. Sometimes it’s inevitable but we want to maintain our best players."
The likes of Kieran Tierney and Bukayo Saka have been linked with moves away from north London, but the Gunners will have to resist big-money offers if they're to continue to improve and develop under Arteta's management.
