David Ornstein explains how Arsenal fixed ‘laughing stock’ image in one key area

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Journalist David Ornstein has now provided his insight into one process that Arsenal have improved at drastically in recent times. 

David Ornstein has been blown away by how efficiently Arsenal now manage their player contracts.

The Gunners have made a concerted effort to secure the futures of their most highly-valued assets. Since Bukayo Saka penned new terms with the north London club back in May 2023, he has been emulated by William Saliba, Gabriel Martinelli, and club captain Martin Odegaard, amongst others.

Ben White now looks to be next in line to agree a fresh deal at Arsenal. 

Taking these steps to strike new contract deals with their top stars protects Arsenal. It would now be far harder for any potential suitors to prise one these players away from the Emirates Stadium. What’s more, it is a means of rewarding said players for their impressive performances on the pitch, and assuring them of their importance to the club.

Mikel Arteta will be delighted that so many of the Gunners’ best players have committed their future to the north London outfit. As a manager, it makes it far easier for him to plan for upcoming seasons if he knows that certain key figures in his squad are practically guaranteed to still be at his disposal.

Arsenal were not always so proactive in this department. Big names players such as Aaron Ramsey have succeeded in running down their contracts before. Equally, the Gunners had to offer Mesut Ozil a monster deal in 2018 when he had just months left on his existing contract at the time, as reported by The Guardian. 

David Ornstein lifts lid on new Arsenal approach to contracts

Now, though, everything is different. Arsenal are far more forward-thinking in their approach to player contracts, and strive to avoid difficult and protracted negotiation situations before they have a chance to become a real issue. 

Speaking on The Athletic Football Podcast, Ornstein has now given his verdict on the revolution in their attitude to contracts that Arsenal have undergone. The reporter said, “the way they’ve managed the contract situations has been so impressive, tying down all of their key players…they’ve got a couple more on the horizon, like Tomiyasu and Ben White. Arsenal used to be a bit of a laughing stock, they left it too late to negotiate contracts, but they’re spot on with that.”

Where once Arsenal could be accused of passivity or naivety, such allegations no longer hold water. This is a positive development which bodes well for the future of the club, both on the pitch and off it in a financial sense.

The real benefit of this change will be felt most keenly in transfer windows, when the Gunners won’t feel pressured into selling any players they wish to retain. Prospective buyers will also have to pay top prices too.