Arsenal’s squad is looking as strong as ever, as Mikel Arteta is looking to guide them towards a first Premier League title in more than 20 years.
The Gunners have come close in recent seasons, but this campaign feels like the best chance yet with the options available.
A summer of strong transfer spending has been followed by several new contracts for key stars within the squad.
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TBR Football understands Arsenal are in talks with Bukayo Saka over a new deal, while Jurrien Timber is also looking at a contract extension.
While that is positive, the contract situation within the squad does leave some concerns about the future business the Gunners can conduct.
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty ImagesFinance expert discusses Arsenal’s lack of squad churn with contract situation
Arsenal have no contracts expiring in 2026 for the current squad, though loanee Oleksandr Zinchenko will see his deal come to an end.
In a squad that is stacked full of talent, that could make any movement slightly awkward.
The Gunners are fresh from a summer that saw plenty of exits but ushered in some new faces.
With that unlikely to be the case over the next few windows, TBR Football’s finance expert, Adam Williams, has discussed the impact on the business that Arsenal can conduct.
He said: “Having players tied down to long-term deals is invariably a good thing unless you’re paying massive money to players who aren’t performing. For Arsenal, that’s not an issue.
“I think their recruitment has been very smart and, while they have a huge wage bill, the structure is such that the risk is spread rather than concentrated on a few big earners.
“By having players locked into long-term deals, you’re protecting their value. It’s a case of increasing your leverage when other clubs come knocking.
“Arsenal are going to have to make sales; I think that’s an unavoidable fact because of both cash flow and their position under UEFA’s financial rules. However, I think they’re in a good position to extract good value from those sales precisely because of their contract management, as well as the premium that comes with having been with one of the world’s best clubs.
“They do need to improve their squad churn, but they clearly feel like they didn’t have to make any sales at a price that they didn’t consider fair value.”
It certainly suggests that some sales may be needed to help conduct other business in the market.
However, the contract situation may only strengthen their ability to sell for a good price.
Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty ImagesArsenal’s contract situation reflects their rise to the top
It’s been a big rebuild at Arsenal to get them competitive again, but they are consistently fighting for the top prizes in football.
That has come with some smart dealings and an ability to pick up the right value signings at the right time.
With some bargain deals and investment into youth, Arsenal have found that value, but eventually it wears off.
As it stands, Arsenal are set to break the £400 million wage barrier for the first time ever with all of their new signings and contracts.
That is the price of keeping the best players and staying competitive against some of the very top teams.
Now, it’s all about how they sell, with a large squad that could see some players decide they want to move on for a new challenge if opportunities aren’t available.
Thierry Henry summed it up earlier this season when he told CBS Sports: “To win and go far and deep in every competition, you need to have depth in your squad.
“You need to have guys who come on who don’t think about being on the bench and cry about it. The group winning is the most important thing.”
For those who have ambitions elsewhere, it could create the space to bring in those who do want to help the squad moving forward.