Latest news with #JoshKroenke
New York Times
5 days ago
- Business
- New York Times
Arsenal and the importance of finding a transfer-window balance
For Mikel Arteta, this is a 'win now' summer. The Arsenal manager is looking for the final pieces in a jigsaw that will hopefully fit together to finally allow his team to lift major silverware again in 2026. Arsenal's top brass appear determined to support him in this pursuit. 'We plan to invest to get behind winning and doing better next season,' said co-chair Josh Kroenke in his address to supporters in May. After being underwhelmed by the club's activity in the previous two transfer windows, Arsenal fans are expecting signings this time who can make an instant impact. Advertisement But the club must look past 2025-26, too. This transfer window provides an opportunity to recruit talent not just for next season, but beyond. How do Arsenal balance their need for immediate reinforcements with the desire to future-proof the squad and acquire emerging talent? A case in point: Arsenal are among the clubs tracking Genk's 17-year-old Greece international Konstantinos Karetsas (above). They have followed Karetsas' dramatic rise closely. He spent a year playing in the Belgian second division with Jong Genk (their second team) before graduating to the senior side in February 2024. From the start of last season, a 16-year-old Karetsas was featuring regularly in Belgium's top flight. His emergence helped offset the departure of Bilal El-Khannouss, who joined Leicester City in August. Karetsas predominantly plays as a No 8 or No 10, but can also operate off the right. Although he represented Belgium at youth level, when it came to the seniors, Karetsas switched to Greece — the country of his parents' birth. He made his full debut in March as a substitute against Scotland in the first leg of their Nations League promotion/relegation play-off and got his first international goal in the return fixture, becoming the youngest scorer in Greek football history at 17 years, four months and four days old. He is part of an exciting generation of young Greek talent — Arsenal have also followed Olympiacos' 18-year-old midfielder Christos Mouzakitis. A player capped at 17 is likely to command a high price. Genk expect a fee that could rise as high as €30million to €40m (£25.3m-£33.7m/$34.3m-$45.8m) after add-ons. Any deal agreed now would be formalised at a later date, or involve a loan back to Genk: as he doesn't turn 18 until November, Karetsas is not eligible to join Arsenal until the next winter window. Advertisement As yet though, there has been no contact between the two clubs. Whether Arsenal's interest progresses will be determined by their key decision-makers. Arsenal's aim is clear: to win. But what's the recruitment strategy that will underpin and sustain that? Arteta is bullish about the club's need to add established, Premier League-ready players this summer. Equally, Arsenal have committed to supporting academy manager Per Mertesacker with a budget to strengthen at under-16 and under-17 levels. But between those extremes, there's another category to consider: the development player. These are those prospects between the ages of 18 and 21 who are on the fringes of the first-team squad, but capable of contributing when required. Crucially, they are investments — players who could be stars of the future, or valuable assets. Signings of this kind were a regular feature of Arsene Wenger's Arsenal, at a time when punishing interest payments relating to the Emirates Stadium's construction made that kind of value-chasing purchase a necessity. Arsenal are a different club now, with different aspirations — but is there still a need to speculate? It's a dilemma the Kroenkes will be well-versed in. Like most of the Premier League's American owners, they instinctively like the idea of acquiring young talent with big potential upside. But they also recognise the need to win imminently — and have shown with other teams in their sporting empire, such as the Los Angeles Rams' Super Bowl victory three years ago, that they are prepared to invest in experience to get over the line. Karetsas is one of several young stars Arsenal have contemplated moving for over the past 12 months. They closely followed the development of Vitor Reis at Brazil's Palmeiras, and could have signed him for less than the near £30million Manchester City ultimately paid in January. The 18-year-old Rosenborg midfielder Sverre Nypan held talks with Arsenal over a possible €15m move in that same window, but ultimately decided to stay in Norway until at least the summer. If Arsenal had been more front-footed and persuasive in their pursuit, the outcome might have been different. Arsenal's reticence to spend on development players is understandable — particularly in the case of last January, when there was also an urgent need for a first-team centre-forward. That window crystallises the dichotomy perfectly: while some at Arsenal urged that the club follow through on longstanding interest in teenagers Reis and Nypan, Arteta was eager to land Aston Villa's Premier League-proven 29-year-old striker Ollie Watkins. Advertisement These two strands of recruitment, however, are not mutually exclusive. They are complementary. Renewal and future planning are part of any coherent recruitment strategy. That falls squarely under the remit of new sporting director Andrea Berta. While Arteta's emphasis is inevitably going to be on the here and now, Berta is responsible for the mid-term and beyond. He must determine whether there is room in this summer's plans — and budget — for development players. This is thematically tied to the internal debate at Arsenal over the No 9 position. Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig represents the development project — newly 22 years old (his birthday was last week) and with huge upside, but a player who may take a little time to fulfil that potential. Viktor Gyokeres of Sporting CP, by contrast, is already in his prime having turned 27 on Wednesday. We are still waiting for Berta's first signing, but he has begun the process of remodelling his recruitment team. After the departure of Jason Ayto, the former assistant and interim sporting director, Arsenal are in advanced talks with Matteo Tognozzi over a senior recruitment role. Tognozzi helped set up Juventus Next Gen, an Under-23 team the club enrolled in Italy's third division to help bridge the gap between youth and first-team football. His work at Juventus is well-regarded. During Tognozzi's time in Turin, the likes of Dean Huijsen, Kenan Yildiz, Matias Soule and Samuel Iling-Junior arrived and graduated to top-level football. Tognozzi could arrive at Arsenal this summer, but perhaps too late to influence this window's business. Could his appointment nevertheless be an indicator that development players are a priority for Berta? What all this means for Karetsas remains to be seen. A fee that could eventually surpass €30million in the current window is a lot for a player who can't play for Arsenal this calendar year. Advertisement Of late, Arteta's voice has tended to carry most authority on first-team transfers. Will he advocate for the signing of a player who doesn't immediately improve his options? And if not, does Berta have the authority, influence or will to change that? Managerial buy-in is essential if Arsenal are to embrace this strategy. One contention from the club might be that they don't need to invest heavily in development talents at a time when their academy is producing prodigies such as Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri, both 18. Nwaneri, and the highly regarded 15-year-old Max Dowman, are both relevant to the potential pursuit of Karetsas. All three are left-footed attacking midfielders. Do Arsenal risk congesting an area of the pitch where they need to demonstrate clear pathways? Ultimately, much may depend on their vision for Nwaneri's and Dowman's ultimate positions — and the outcome of he former's contract negotiations. For Arsenal, it will be about striking a balance. If they fail to address the immediate issues, they may fall short again next season. And all the while, rivals such as City and Chelsea continue to assemble talent with an eye on tomorrow. If Arsenal neglect the development category, they may find themselves playing catch-up in just a few years' time.
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Arsenal: Mikel Arteta gets 'goosebumps' as exciting verdict delivered ahead of crucial summer transfer window
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta says he gets 'goosebumps' when thinking about next season. The Gunners rounded off the current campaign with a 2-1 win at Southampton after Martin Odegaard scored a late winner. Arteta has confirmed planning and preparations for next season are already underway, with Arsenal determined to end their five-year wait for a trophy. Arsenal are set to bolster their squad this summer and a new striker is their priority going into he transfer window. And asked when he starts thinking about next season, Arteta said: 'Now. Immediately. 'Yes, 100 per cent, because tomorrow we already have certain things that we are discussing and making decisions. 'Everything that is planned for pre-season and the first few weeks of the season is already done two, three months ago. 'So we are in a really good [place]. And the moment I start to think about that, I feel goosebumps and excitement. And this is a really good sign always.' Arteta was sat in the stands for Arsenal's victory over Southampton, due to a touchline ban, and he was next to the club's co-chair, Josh Kroenke. The pair will sit down in the next few days, along with the rest of Arsenal's hierarchy, to finalise plans for the summer. 'We'll have enough time in the next few days to discuss the topics that probably you are suspecting and we'll do it in the right environment,' said Arteta. 'With the coaches, we analyse everything, what we've done as a team, what we've done individually, put all the plans together that they are almost done, sit down with them, finalise a few things that still have to be planned out, decided timings of that and go for it.' Sunday was the final game for a number of Arsenal players, including Kieran Tierney - who scored the opening goal of the game. 'He said it yesterday: 'I'm going to score on my last Arsenal match' - and he's done it,' said Arteta. 'So credit to him. A special thank you to him. He's been part of this journey and he's won with me. 'It's true that he went to [Real] Sociedad for a few months, but it's been a joy to work with him. A really special character and we wish him and his family all the very best. 'The doors of this club are open for him. He's someone very, very liked at the club, in the dressing room and we want to wish him the best.'
BBC News
25-05-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
'We wanted to finish with positivity'
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, speaking to Match of the Day: "We wanted to finish with that positivity, that good atmosphere and vibe. We had to say goodbye to a few players and I think they deserved that to happen in a nice environment."On Kieran Tierney's goal: "He said yesterday "I'm going to score on my last Arsenal match" and he's done it. Very happy with him. He's been a big part of the journey."On a big summer for Arsenal: "Josh [Kroenke] has been very clear in the direction and ambition we have. We're going to try and see what we can do, make very subtle decisions, and respect what has taken us this far. There's not much improvement. We've finished second three times, reached the Champions League semi-finals. There's that little percentage we need to nail."On Arsenal winning the Women's Champions League: "We were on the bus to Southampton cheering. The manner they've done it, playing the best team in Europe and they had difficult situations throughout the season, we're very proud."
The Sun
25-05-2025
- Sport
- The Sun
Southampton 1 Arsenal 2: Gunners break 101-year-old Premier League record but get stark reminder of huge job this summer
WATCHING on at St Mary's, Arsenal's transfer committee have been given one final reminder of the magnitude of this summer. Serving a touchline ban, boss Mikel Arteta sat in the stands alongside co-owner Josh Kroenke, managing director Richard Garlick and sporting director Andrea Berta. 9 9 9 There were a few smiles, for Kieran Tierney scoring a 43rd-minute opener on his 144th and final club appearance and Martin Odegaard smashing home an 89th-minute winner. But for the most part, their faces were stern and serious, most notably when Ross Stewart headed in a 56th minute equaliser to deny David Raya a solo Golden Glove-winning 14th clean sheet. However, the Spaniard still earned a consecutive Golden Glove trophy - sharing the honour with Nottingham Forest 's Matz Sels who also failed to keep the ball out of his net today. This final-day trip to Southampton could, and arguably should, have been the day the Gunners lifted their first Prem title since 2004. Instead, it was a meaningless clash to confirm a third successive second-place finish that was a stark reminder of what a disappointing campaign this has been for Arteta's men. Other than setting a 101-year record, by winning a 14th consecutive final-day match and surpassing Liverpool 's Edwardian time record, it was an uneventful day. Instead the match was an example of what needs to change next term ahead of a potentially tenure-defining summer window for Arteta and the board. Incomings are essential, as are outgoings. Tierney will be one of them, expected to return to Celtic in a few weeks to end his six-year North London stint. 9 9 The Scot – filling in at centre back in a much-changed Arsenal XI – was hailed throughout the match by the away end. A day he will never forget at the already-relegated Saints. The less said about the actual game the better as the Gunners cruised for large parts with the likes of Bukayo Saka, Odegaard, Leandro Trossard and Kai Havertz left on the bench. Inside Katie McCabe and her family's wild Champions League celebrations after Arsenal's historic win But Tierney's stunned, grinning reaction at finding himself in the box to tap home was worth every penny, as was Odegaard's stunning long-range belter. This clash reinforced Arsenal's need for attacking reinforcements with Mikel Merino starting up top and Chelsea loanee Raheem Sterling starting on the right on what was also his final game in an Arsenal shirt. New Saints boss Will Still was also in the stands, getting a first glance over his new squad with a gruelling Championship campaign on the horizon. For this one, four changes were made, including 18-year-old Jay Robinson on his first senior start. Ex-Arsenal No.1 Aaron Ramsdale was kept busy early on as Merino and Gabriel Martinelli went close with headers and Sterling curled one just wide. The hosts were being encouraged to let the shackles off and attack, and they were unlucky not to get a penalty when VAR waved away a Yuki Sugawara shot striking Declan Rice's arm in the box. But the visitors remained patient. 9 9 Merino was dangerous in the air, smacking the crossbar from a Martinelli cross, and the Brazilian winger fluffed a chance of his own, denied in a 1-v-1 by old pal Ramsdale. The opening was coming and Tierney provided it, held aloft by his teammates in a heart-warming celebration after tucking away Ben White's low cross. Even Arteta and Kroenke afforded themselves a smile that was quickly wiped off as the Saints hit back from a simple set-piece delivery in the 56th minute. Robinson forced Raya into a decent save from the resulting corner, Stewart rose highest at the far post. On came the Arsenal cavalry. By the 75th minute, Saka, Trossard, Havertz, Odegaard and Myles Lewis-Skelly were all on the pitch. There was almost an instant impact as Saka bundled in only for VAR to confirm a correct offside shout. In the end, it was a sublime bit of quality from Odegaard that settled the contest, and it is quality personnel that Arteta and his transfer committee will be scouring the market for to ensure this sort of tame end to a season will not be repeated in 12 months time. 9 9
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Ødegaard strikes late to earn Arsenal win at Southampton after Tierney's farewell goal
This was the kind of end-of-season match where there was almost as much interest in what was happening in the stands as on the pitch. Banned from the touchline after picking up a suspension against Newcastle last week, Mikel Arteta was seen deep in conversation with co-chair Josh Kroenke throughout as Kieran Tierney signed off with a goal before he returns to Celtic and Martin Ødegaard broke Southampton's hearts with a late winner. Summer recruitment plans were surely the main topic of conversation for Kroenke and Arteta, whose selection of Raheem Sterling for only the sixth time in a Premier League game since he joined on loan from Chelsea was perhaps another reminder of the Arsenal manager's request for more firepower this week. If they need any inspiration to take the final step after being confirmed as runners-up for a third straight year, the success of Renée Slegers' women's team in becoming European champions against all the odds on Saturday night should provide it. Advertisement Related: Manchester City and Newcastle qualify for Champions League amid Villa fury at refereeing controversy: Premier League final day – live reaction Planning for life in the Championship is already well advanced for Southampton, who described Will Still as one of the 'brightest young coaching talents in Europe' when his appointment was confirmed before kick off. The 32-year-old who cut his teeth in Ligue 1 was also pictured sitting just in front of the former prime minister Rishi Sunak and could not contain his delight when Ross Stewart scored a deserved equaliser after half-time. While they couldn't quite hang on for a point, an impressive first senior start for the 18-year-old winger Jay Robinson hinted at the direction will probably head in after a disastrous campaign under Russell Martin and then Ivan Juric. So far has Sterling's stock fallen over the past nine months that the travelling fans were even threatening to take drastic action if he managed to break his goal duck in the league here. 'If Sterling scores, we're on the pitch,' they sang. He almost granted them their wish after an opening period when Southampton couldn't get out of their own half but was once again otherwise a shadow of his former self. Aaron Ramsdale saved from Gabriel Martinelli and Mikel Merino should have hit the target with a header before Sterling curled a shot just past the post in the sixth minute. It summed up Southampton's luck this season that Yuki Sugawara's shot was heading for the top corner until it struck Declan Rice's hand but the referee, Darren Bond, and the video assistant referee turned down pleas for penalty. Merino hit the crossbar from another cross before Ramsdale did brilliantly to deny Martinelli when the Brazilian was clean through on goal. It was left to Tierney – unusually for him operating in central defence – to finally break the deadlock when he touched home Ben White's cross from close range to cue a punch of the fist from the Scotland international and a chorus of appreciation from the away end. Advertisement Yet Southampton have shown renewed heart under the interim manager, Simon Rusk, despite being relegated weeks ago and they levelled 10 minutes after the break. Robinson had forced David Raya into an excellent save with a jinking run and, from the resulting corner, Stewart outjumped everyone to steer his header past the Arsenal goalkeeper. That goal means Raya will share this year's Golden Glove award for the most clean sheets with Nottingham Forest's Matz Sels. Tierney was withdrawn to another round of applause as Sterling's afternoon also came to an end. But having survived an onslaught when Ødegaard, Bukayo Saka – who needed treatment on his ankle after slipping late on – and Kai Havertz were unloaded off the bench, Ramsdale could do nothing to stop the Norwegian's drive from outside the area in the final minute of normal time to put the final nail in the coffin of a season no Southampton fan will remember fondly.
