16 May 2023 , 08:35
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Arsenal are ready to alter their current wage structure in order to establish themselves as regular Premier League title contenders.
After missing out on a top-four finish in the final weeks of the 2021/22 campaign, Mikel Arteta's side have dumbfounded their critics by emerging as the most credible challengers to Manchester City.
And although the Gunners have blown their chance to land a first domestic crown since 2004 after letting an eight-point lead slip in recent weeks, the club are determined to do whatever it takes to ensure they continue to challenge for major honours on a consistent basis under Arteta.
Josh Kroenke, Director of Arsenal, went to visit Mikel Arteta after the defeat to Brighton on Sunday (David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)Arsenal have already been carrying out due diligence ahead of the summer transfer window and are set to hand Arteta significant funds. Furthermore, it has been decided that the Gunners will 'loosen' their current wage structure in order to attract players who are capable of establishing the club as bonafide title contenders going forward. Arsenal's budget will be boosted after qualifying for the Champions League for the first time in six years.
Arsenal are planning to open talks with West Ham over a deal for Declan Rice in the coming weeks. The midfielder, 24, has emerged as Arsenal's top summer target - but the Gunners are only willing to pay £90million, rather than the £100m that the Hammers' are expected to hold out for.
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Arsenal's stance on their wage budget will come as a welcome boost to Arteta, who appeared to take the brunt of the blame after the Londoners' title hopes were extinguished on Sunday.
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Arteta is set to be backed significantly in the summer transfer market (Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)Arsenal co-chairman Josh Kroenke was in attendance at the Emirates Stadium for the match against Brighton and was quick to show his support for Arteta by visiting him after the match.
A report from The Evening Standard claims that Kroenke was joined for the talks with Arteta by LA Rams head coach Sean McVay, who is in charge of the NFL franchise the family also own.
Arteta paid full credit to the Kroenke's commitment to the club earlier this season and hinted that there were big plans afoot - regardless of whether or not the Gunners were able to end their 19-year title drought. Speaking back in March, Arteta said: "I believe they were really patient in exactly the right way.
"Now they have shown they are fully committed, they have big ambitions and they are fully behind the club to give everything they can to make it successful. I am convinced the owners will continue to do everything to make us very successful and continue to invest in the club in the right way."