Saliba signs extension as Emirates expansion gets green light – Arsenal DoF’s to-do list

Edu’s decision to step down as Arsenal’s sporting director mid-season sent shockwaves across the Premier League, such had been his close working relationship with Mikel Arteta.

The two enjoyed plenty of success together, with Arteta and Edu helping build an Arsenal side capable of challenging for a league title for the first time in over a decade.

So far they haven’t managed to breach Manchester City’s four-in-a-row defence, finishing as runners-up in each of the last two seasons.

But should the Gunners wish to make the next step in becoming one of Europe’s elite, Edu’s successor has to be aiming for these three objectives.

William Saliba contract extension

It’s a no-brainer. If Arsenal want to stay at the top of their game and challenge for trophies, they’ve not only got to find a way to attract the world’s best to the Emirates Stadium but also a way to keep them there.

There’s no doubt William Saliba is already in that bracket, with the talented Frenchman having shone at the heart of Arsenal’s defence ever since breaking onto the scene in 2022.

But with Real Madrid said to be circling and the lure of the Santiago Bernabeu often hard to turn down, Arsenal’s new sporting director simply must avoid Saliba leaving for the Spanish capital.

Even a big-money payday would set Arsenal back, meaning only a lengthy contract extension would do for the capital club.

Emirates Stadium expansion gets green light

Legendary Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger once described the Emirates Stadium as his ‘suffering’ because the club didn’t have the resources to compete following the club’s move from Highbury.

Edu’s replacement must ensure the home of Arsenal doesn’t plague another manager, which might include pushing for an ambitious 20,000-seater expansion.

When the Emirates was built 20 years ago, it was the envy of the English footballing world, but such is the rapid development of sports stadia, the north London venue has fallen behind the times somewhat.

While it isn’t in the sporting director’s immediate remit to push for an expansion, the added income from a bigger stadium could help drive up Arsenal’s transfer kitty in the long run.

Important keep or sack Mikel Arteta decision made

However, perhaps the most important decision in the new sporting director’s inbox will be what to do with Arteta.

Right now, there will be very few, if any, fans that want rid of the charismatic Spaniard, who has – to a degree – brought the good times back to Arsenal.

But if for whatever reason Arsenal go trophyless again this season, it will mean Arteta has lifted just one major honour during his six years in charge.

Even that came in his first season and if the trophy drought continues, there may have to be uncomfortable questions asked in the Arsenal boardroom surrounding Arteta’s future, with the sporting director likely to have a major say.