Journalist Charles Watts believes that recent contract decisions that have been made by Arsenal will have an impact on their Premier League title chances.
Arsenal have taken steps to protect the long-term futures of their most promising young stars.
Since Bukayo Saka penned a new long-term deal at the Emirates Stadium in May 2023, the likes of Gabriel Martinelli, William Saliba, and club captain Martin Odegaard, amongst others, have followed suit in agreeing fresh terms with the club.
In his time at the helm, Mikel Arteta has constructed a young, talented squad that is capable of seriously competing for the top prizes in the game. As well as currently being in the midst of a Premier League title race, Arsenal have also been told that they have what it takes to go all the way in the Champions League this season.
Of course, Arsenal are still underdogs in this title race. Both Manchester City and Liverpool hold an advantage over their north London rivals, in that they have both recently won the league and many players in their current squads know what it takes to go all the way and get over the line.
Very few members of this current Arsenal squad have won a major trophy before, and that inexperience was clear last season, as Arteta’s side faltered on the final straight with the Premier League crown seemingly within reach.
The fact that so many of Arsenal’s top stars are so young, though, with their best years still ahead of them, bodes well. Time is on their side, as is talent. That is why securing them to new contracts was such an important step for the club to take. It also reinforces Arsenal’s faith in them as players.
Arsenal contracts can provide push towards Premier League triumph
Charles Watts believes that his contract factor could even have a bearing on the current title race, as the desire for this squad to achieve something special together as a group is obvious. Speaking on his Inside Arsenal YouTube channel, the reporter said, “this Arsenal team, it is hungry. These players, when Mikel says ‘their tummies are still empty’, they haven’t won anything and they want to win something. They want to win something together, and with this group, at this club. That could be such an important driving force in getting Arsenal over the line, whether it be this season or next season. Hopefully this season, but if it’s not, then next season.“
“Keeping this core group together, who are so desperate to do things together, I think is a really big thing and it’s a really big motivating factor for them, in terms of why they signed, why they believe in the project, and also why Arsenal were so convinced in getting these guys tied down to long-term contracts.”
With these measures, Arsenal have also shielded the value of their players. It would now take an astronomical offer for another club to stand any chance of being able to prise the likes of Saka or Saliba away from the Emirates Stadium now. Regardless of how this season ends, the future looks bright for Arsenal.
The experience that this squad are all now gaining together is also so important. They will have taken lessons from the painful end to last season, and already in the current campaign they will have grown and developed significantly as a group. This all stands them in even greater stead for future success.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
