Arsenal

BBC Sport's Sami Mokbel reported earlier this week that there are three players on Arsenal's shortlist for the forward positions - Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers, Bournemouth's Eli Junior Kroupi and Atletico Madrid's Julian Alvarez.

Any move for those three could be facilitated by exits in forward areas with the club open to offers for Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli, while Leandro Trossard's deal expires in 12 months.

A move for Rogers has been discussed, but with Martin Odegaard and Eberechi Eze already in the squad, is that move a priority? It has also been noted that Rogers' versatility, including the ability to operate from the left, would be an asset.

The Gunners' current left-wing options did not hit the heights expected of them last season, with both Martinelli and Trossard combining for 17 Premier League goals and assists.

By comparison, Manchester City's ex-Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo, managed 21 goals and assists on his own.

Do you think it is time for Arsenal to assess and upgrade their left-wing options? And if so, who do you think they should bring in? Give us names.

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Everton are chasing Arsenal forward Gabriel Jesus but want the Premier League champions to reduce their £20m asking price. (Football Insider), external

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Sami Mokbel
Senior football correspondent

Image source, Getty Images

Arsenal's midfield is complicated.

Given his homegrown status, the club had considered listening to offers for Myles Lewis-Skelly, but his excellent end to the season in his preferred central midfield position has been noted. That could spark a rethink over the 19-year-old's transfer status this summer.

Arsenal have also discussed the merits of a move for West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes, who is expected to leave the London club following their relegation to the Championship.

But, while Fernandes and Lewis-Skelly are different types of midfielders, the latter's emergence may hasten a change in approach.

As for full-backs, the club had targeted a versatile option to boost their squad and have looked at Newcastle's Tino Livramento, although the 23-year-old has endured an injury-disrupted campaign. This position will be one to watch.

Also on the agenda for Arsenal this summer is to finalise the finer details of a new contract for right-back Jurrien Timber.

BBC Sport revealed the club had started talks over a new deal last season and those discussions are heading towards a conclusion.

The club have also signalled their intention to open talks with key midfielder Declan Rice over a contract extension.

With Mikel Arteta's deal - and plans to reward Timber and Rice with renewals - that may be easier said than done.

So, to that end, selling players will be more of a priority this summer.

It also remains to be seen if Arsenal are willing to sacrifice one of their regular first-team players in order to balance their finances.

Read more on Arsenal's summer plans

Sami Mokbel
Senior football correspondent

Image source, Getty Images

Mikel Arteta has been central to the club's planning for next season, with the Gunners targeting a central midfielder, forward and full-back in the transfer market.

But it will not be straightforward.

Given last season's £250m spend on new players, a number of player renewals and lucrative bonuses paid to players in lieu of their Premier League success, the club are mindful of ensuring finances are balanced during the close season.

For the forward position, three players are known to be on the shortlist - Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers, Bournemouth's Eli Junior Kroupi and Atletico Madrid's Julian Alvarez.

Rogers and Kroupi are expected to cost in excess of £80m each, while Barcelona target Alvarez is being valued at more than £120m.

Any move for Rogers, Kroupi or Alvarez could be facilitated by exits in forward areas, with the club open to offers for Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli, while Leandro Trossard's deal expires in 12 months.

The future of academy graduate Ethan Nwaneri, who has returned from a loan spell at Marseille, is also unclear. Arsenal are giving serious consideration to a homegrown sale this summer, which would represent pure profit on the balance sheet.

The Gunners are also set to listen to offers for Christian Norgaard and Ben White, while Fabio Vieira and Reiss Nelson can also leave. Jakub Kiwior has already been sold to Porto for £14.7m.

A move for Rogers has been discussed, but with Martin Odegaard and Eberechi Eze, who can play in the central attacking areas, already in the squad there have been questions raised over whether a move for the England international is a priority.

Though, with Rogers able to operate from the left, it has been noted that his versatility would be an asset.

The interest in the 23-year-old is genuine, though the Gunners are not the only club in the running for Rogers with Manchester United also monitoring the forward's situation.

Rogers, according to multiple sources, is open to joining Arsenal ahead of next season.

Kroupi is another opportunity Arsenal have explored after the 19-year-old scored 13 times in the Premier League, a record for a teenage debutant.

The club's dream forward signing is Alvarez - though Barcelona have a serious interest in the Argentina attacker.

Read more on Arsenal's summer plans

Aston Villa are aware of interest in attacking midfielder Morgan Rogers from a number of clubs, including Arsenal, but have no intention of selling the 23-year-old England international. (Telegraph - subscription required), external

Eintracht Frankfurt's Germany full-back Nathaniel Brown, 22, is the subject of interest from Arsenal and Bayern Munich. (The Athletic - subscription required), external

Portugal midfielder Mateus Fernandes, 21, has been cleared to leave West Ham after contact from Arsenal and Manchester United, while Liverpool and Paris St-Germain are also monitoring developments. (Teamtalk), external

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Sami Mokbel
Senior football correspondent

Image source, Getty Images

With the plumes of red smoke still fresh in the north London air from Sunday's euphoric trophy parade, Arsenal's attention swiftly turns to building on their Premier League title triumph.

The priority for Arsenal this summer is to finalise a new contract with Mikel Arteta, whose current deal expires at the end of next season.

BBC Sport revealed last month that talks over fresh terms were shelved in order for the club to focus on the end of the campaign.

With Arsenal's historic season now over, the process will pick up again during the summer.

Nothing is expected to be finalised before Arteta returns from holiday.

But it is understood that there was positive progress during initial conversations, amid expectation within the Emirates that it is a case of when, not if, the 44-year-old renews.

Despite this, there remains an air of caution at Arsenal, although club officials are fully focused on reaching a final agreement well before the start of next season.

Sources have told BBC Sport the new contract, which is likely to be a minimum of three years, would be worth a major increase on his current wages.

Arteta earns £10m a season, plus a further £5m upon Champions League qualification.

His new contract would make him the highest-paid manager in England following Pep Guardiola's decision to leave Manchester City.

Guardiola's deal was worth a minimum £20m a season. Arteta would move far closer to his compatriot's earning power.

Recently, Arsenal co-chair Josh Kroenke made clear the club's intention.

"Keeping Mikel around is an utmost priority and I think the good news for Arsenal fans worldwide is he's enjoying the project," said Kroenke.

With that project centred around Arteta's influence, owners Kroenke Sports Entertainment know they will have to commit significant funds to ensure their manager stays on.

And with Arteta's status at an all-time high, the Gunners boss will know his leverage is also at its peak.

Read more on Arsenal's summer plans

Ex-Premier League defender Conor Coady says he "was shocked" seeing Gabriel walk up to take Arsenal's final penalty in their Champions League final shootout defeat.

"I was like, this is interesting," said Coady.

Ex-Premier League striker Chris Sutton replied: "If he put his hand up to take it, let him get on with it. I think it's slightly disrespectful for centre-backs. A lot of defenders have taken them. It's like we are looking at centre-backs like they are all donkeys.

"I feel for him. That's a moment that for all the wrong reasons, he'll never forget that."

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Watch the panel on BBC Radio 5 Live's Monday Night Club discuss what Arsenal can do next to develop and evolve after they just came up short in the Champions League final against Paris St-Germain.

"They added quality last summer," said The Athletic's Adam Crafton.

"In some ways it was more depth than quality but any team in the Premier League would have wanted Eberechi Eze. I just wonder whether Mikel Arteta actually wants to develop the team in that way or whether he just wants to make them even better at what they do at the moment.

"I think if he did then much of this past season you would have seen Martin Odegaard and Eze starting together. I'm not sure it's as simple as just going and buying some flair to improve Arsenal."

Premier League winning striker Chris Sutton said: "I don't think you can keep giving the ball back to a team of PSG's quality.

"We know Arsenal are brilliant at defending the box and that's what Arteta gave away. There wasn't really a time when PSG got in behind Arsenal but eventually there does come a time where you trust your players with quality whether they are being pressed or not.

"Arsenal didn't want to risk, which is why moving forward I think it is something Arteta will have to think about."

Ex-Premier League defender Conor Coady said: "That squad is full of quality. You can evolve that team with that group of players. If there was an opportunity to get a left-hand sided player I think they would do.

"We are at a moment now where they have the quality in that group to go to a different level if they are willing to do so."

Watch the full episode on BBC iPlayer and listen on BBC Sounds

Wayne Rooney has picked his Premier League team of the season.

You can listen to his reasoning for selections and find out who he thought was the Premier League's best player by tuning into The Wayne Rooney Show.

Watch The Wayne Rooney Show on BBC iPlayer or listen on BBC Sounds

Chelsea have rejected multiple approaches for defender Josh Acheampong.

The 20-year-old is a graduate of the academy at Stamford Bridge and as reported elsewhere has been given 'untouchable' status in terms of his future.

It remains unclear whether Acheampong, whose Chelsea contract expires in 2029, is looking for a move away from the club.

However, Arsenal, Newcastle and Crystal Palace are known to be monitoring the situation while Bournemouth also retain an interest in Acheampong from last summer.

Image source, Getty Images

We asked for your views on the murmurings that Arsenal need to make changes to both their personnel and playing style if they are to improve their level next season.

Here are some of your thoughts:

Eddie: Some drastic changes need to be made. Our style of football has been dire and I'd go so far as to say we were borderline anti-football in the Champions League final. It stings when the average neutral fan is rooting for a team bankrolled by a nation state over us! Mikel Arteta's histrionics need to stop as well - just win graciously.

Kevin: Oh yes, change is absolutely required... it's not like they were good enough to win the Premier League or get to the Champions League final and get narrowly beaten by a team everyone thought would be a level above them, is it? Arsenal are in that sweet spot where they have been so good, for so long, that everyone is coming out of the woodwork to tell them how bad they are. Glorious! Come on, the Gunners!

Rachel: It's clear that Arsenal already have probably the best defence in Europe, so that does not need to change. We need to show more threat and intent up front, though. Ideally a killer striker, someone who is deadly. With the current profile of this club, there is surely someone out there at this level who is desperate to come and play for us!

Surajudeen: I believe the stats should be looked at. We are comfortable defensively because we have Declan Rice driving us in midfield. Apart from that, Bukayo Saka was absolutely atrocious and Martin Odegaard was a passenger. We need a new creative midfielder, two left wingers and a striker.

Kal: Under Arteta, Arsenal have made changes every year. Next season won't be any different. I expect the following outgoings: Gabriel Jesus, Ben White, Gabriel Martinelli, Christian Norgaard and Ethan Nwaneri. Likely incomings: Bradley Barcola, Julian Alvarez, Morgan Rogers and Tino Livramento.

Mike: What a silly statement from Matthew Upson. Of course they will adapt and evolve - they have to and they are not stupid. Arteta is buying players for specific purposes, the club knows their style is not sustainable and they will adapt. Arsenal will tweak their style and try to make it stronger. Spurs are the ones that need a desperate shake-up. People should focus on the clubs that actually have issues, rather than making up issues for clubs that are working.

Chris Howard
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

The culmination of Mikel Arteta's 'process', which has now been well and truly 'trusted', may have reached a climax with the Premier League trophy and subsequent parade this weekend just gone.

But, as Arteta alluded to himself already post-Champions League final defeat, the club always needs to move forward.

He will 100% be doing that now - I bet he doesn't even have a proper holiday - and he will be thinking about next season already! It is part of his DNA and I think it is right.

We have a great squad, a deep squad, but you can't stand still and neither should you in football because this is just a point in time.

You cannot keep all of your players happy and so, inevitably, there needs to be churn at the club. It is healthy, but Arteta needs to know who the key pillars are in his team.

Two years ago, I would have said Martin Odegaard but I'm not so sure now. I would have also said Gabriel Martinelli but, again, I don't think that is the case.

There are not many sacred cows in this Arsenal squad, and I don't think there should be. Change is risky for sure, but nothing lasts forever.

Fresh ideas don't just come from the manager or his coaching staff; they come from the players too, so I back Arteta to be looking at his squad and making some difficult decisions about players who we all really love but need to move on to make space, possibly for those new ideas and new ways of playing.

The great thing about the way Arteta and the club have gone about their player acquisition in the last three or four transfer windows is that they haven't just recruited for talent, but for mentality and personality too.

They do their due diligence and, for me, that's why I don't see change as a bad thing in terms of players leaving and new ones coming in to replace them.

Find more from Chris Howard at Suburban Gooners, external and the Same Old Arsenal Podcast, external

The aftermath of Arsenal's Premier League win and Champions League final defeat has already brought talk of necessary changes if the Gunners are to improve their level.

Take a glance at the page below to see what Matthew Upson thinks about possible tweaks, with other experts championing changes to Mikel Arteta's attack.

But is talk of change unfair? Aren't Arsenal already showing they are good enough? Is change risky - as Liverpool perhaps found out?

Tell us what needs to change? And if it's nothing, let us know why

Get in touch with your views here

Alex Howell
Arsenal reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Arsenal have monitored Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez, who has Premier League experience from his time at Manchester City.

Even though Viktor Gyokeres scored 21 goals in all competitions in his first season with Arsenal, that could be an area that can be strengthened.

Arsenal are also looking to strengthen on the left wing, and Mikel Arteta said that he and the club will "start to make some very important decisions if we want to reach another level".

There will be an examination of whether Arteta's current group of forwards are capable of adapting style. Some are eminently capable.

"I think [Bukayo] Saka will be in that bracket," said former Gunners defender and Premier League winner Matthew Upson.

"[Leandro] Trossard is very good with the ball. Technically he's an excellent player."

Upson also pointed to the full-back roles, and how attacks can be launched from those positions.

"I saw that last night with the Paris St-Germain team, how important the full-backs are in how they're willing to go the other way and be real catalysts for those attacks," Upson said.

"So I think that's another interesting feature, but I think they've got the players [at Arsenal]. I think they've got really good technical players, top level players with the ball."

Arsenal beat Atletico Madrid, Bayern Munich and Inter Milan on their way to the Champions League final.

It was a terrific feat and to take PSG to penalties was commendable, but Upson believes the Gunners need to show more on the ball if they are end their wait for Champions League glory.

"Manchester City, Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, PSG - you're going to come up against two or three of these throughout the tournament in the need to win it," Upson said.

"That's going to be difficult over two legs if you're not going to have a little bit more possession. For me, that could be a feature that you see from Arsenal next season."

Read more on Arteta's approach

Alex Howell
Arsenal reporter

Image source, Getty Images

Arsenal are fresh from Champions League final heartbreak but there is no time to wallow.

Sunday's Premier League title celebrations in north London may have refocused minds on next season's missions, when they will aim to stay at the top of the English game and go a step further in Europe.

The Gunners had less than 25% of possession, and Kai Havertz's early opening goal was their only shot on target in 120 minutes of football.

After the game, PSG midfielder Joao Neves said Luis Enrique's side had been "the only one who wanted to play".

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta described PSG as "the best team in the world" and hinted that his side could look to emulate the French side's style of play in the future.

"What they are able to do with the ball, with individual actions, I haven't seen it," he said.

"We need to do better, we have to improve and find different margins to get the outcome that we want."

So does the Spaniard need to refine his style for next season to push Arsenal to the next level, build up their possession numbers, and keep challengers at bay?

PSG played 885 passes during the final, more than three times the 285 Arsenal managed.

Despite winning a first Premier League title in 22 years, Arsenal have been criticised for their style of play throughout the season because of their threat from set-pieces and a perception they lack creativity from open play.

Across all competitions, they won 20 games by a single-goal margin.

Arteta has spent more than £900m on signings since taking over as Arsenal manager in 2019. Although he has transformed the club from where he found it, some have questioned whether Arsenal should be playing a more attractive brand of football by now.

With his side having got over the psychological block of winning the Premier League title, now could be an ideal time for Arteta to make a style switch, even if adjusting a winning formula brings with it the element of a gamble.

David Raya, Gabriel Magalhaes, William Saliba and Declan Rice have been Arsenal's standout players this season, which shows that the Gunners' excellence has been in their backline and defensive areas.

No Arsenal forwards were included among nominees for the Premier League's Player of the Season award.

Read more on Arteta's approach

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has set his sights on Aston Villa's England winger Morgan Rogers, 23, as he bids to build on their Premier League title success although Champions League winners Paris St-Germain are also interested. (Mirror), external

Key figures at Real Madrid's recruitment team are urging the club to pursue a move for Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice having been impressed by the 27-year-old England international's leadership, physicality and technical qualities. (Teamtalk), external

Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenham, Liverpool and Newcastle are all interested in AC Milan's Portuguese winger Rafael Leao with the 26-year-old keen to leave San Siro this summer. (Calciomercato - in Italian), external

Paris St-Germain have cooled their interest in Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez but the 26-year-old Argentina international is still on the radar of Arsenal and Barcelona. (Mundo Deportivo - in Spanish), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Monday's full gossip column

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Scarlet Katz Roberts
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

The morning after the night before in Budapest, Arsenal fans were beginning the long journey back home, moving around the city with a quiet resignation. The red shirts were looking a little more muted in this grand European city.

Off the pitch for much of the game, Paris St-Germain's famously buoyant band of ultras were kept quiet. On the pitch for much of the game, the greatest team in the world - and undeniably the more talented team on the night - were kept quiet.

We simply refused to lose.

Piero Hincapie was incredible under heavy bombardment, spidery and wily. Cristhian Mosquera denied Khvicha Kvaratskhelia with little trouble until rashly giving away the penalty. Jurrien Timber looked like his seamless self when he came on. Central midfielders Declan Rice and Myles Lewis-Skelly were simply wow.

It is true we lacked emphasis and quality going forward, but that is to be expected when you go ahead so early. PSG are the best team in the world and were always going to dominate the ball.

In those exhausting circumstances, after an exhausting season, it would be easy to go to pieces.

PSG missed some good chances after they levelled but, if anything, Arsenal were more committed to the cause after the blow of being pegged back.

The cruelty of the penalties should force us to recruit positively in forward areas this summer, but arguably that is a cosmetic fix.

The culture of this Arsenal team - of unwavering commitment, organisation and determination - is what makes me believe we are here to stay.

We have scaled the mountain of the Premier League over 38 games. We were unbeaten in the Champions League.

Glorious failure is always beautiful, but glorious failure when there is more to come just whets the appetite.

Find more from Scarlet Katz Roberts at the Goal Difference podcast, external