The summer transfer window is nearing, but Arsenal may have got the majority of their business over the line before other teams begin making their moves. With a young spine to the squad, the challenge for Mikel Arteta will have been keeping it together to push forwards.
In the past, the Gunners have often had their best talent poached from them, but the Spaniard has made a concerted effort to keep things together. Over the past few months, a whole host of key players have signed new deals, with the likes of Gabriel Magalhaes, Aaron Ramsdale, Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka all committing to the cause.
The next two who will join the project are already lined up as William Saliba and Reiss Nelson appear set to sign new contracts, with reports claiming both have agreed to the deals. It's a huge boost for Arsenal as they look to build their squad for the future, without concerns for a few of their key players.
There's still work to be done though both in-house and out of it when it comes to the transfer window and Arteta's priorities can be split in two ways.
New contracts
There are still some key players that could be due new contracts to keep them at the club for the long-term beyond the six that have agreed an extension. One of which is club captain Martin Odegaard, who has two years remaining on his current contract and given his importance, a new deal could reflect that rise in status.
There's also Ben White, who has often reflected so much of the good that the Gunners have managed in the transfer market over recent windows. The defender still has three years left on his contract, but much like Ramsdale, a new contract could reflect his place in the squad.
Incomings
Attention will naturally switch to transfers and within that, the potential for the squad to be strengthened further heading into next season. football.london understands that Declan Rice is a top priority for Arsenal, with the future of the midfielder uncertain as he looks set for a West Ham exit.
There are plenty of discussions surrounding a midfield revamp, with Moises Caicedo, Ilkay Gundogan and Mason Mount also linked as options. Beyond that is the need to add depth at full-back, with Ivan Fresneda, Joao Cancelo and Timothy Castagne all rumoured with a switch to north London.
Outgoings
The balance of the squad this summer will be a fine one as Arteta must decide which players can be counted on and which cannot. A whole host of squad players could be set to leave as football.london understands that Folarin Balogun, Nicolas Pepe and Auston Trusty are all prepared to leave the club on a permanent basis.
There are also questions over the place of Charlie Patino and Cedric Soares in the squad alongside the uncertainty of Kieran Tierney's future after a season with few minutes.
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