Arsenal boss risks upsetting senior players with statement summer transfer plan

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta could risk upsetting the senior players in his dressing room with a move for one Euro 2024 star.

Arteta has worked wonders since taking over at the Emirates Stadium in 2019, taking them from mid-table mediocrity back into the Champions League and challenging for the title.

Just two points separated Arteta’s spirited Arsenal from juggernauts Manchester City last season, with the Gunners indebted to the performances of their big-name players.

Bukayo Saka notched 34 goal contributions across all competitions, while William Saliba and Gabriel formed the division’s best defensive partnership.

All of that was knitted together by midfield maestro and skipper Martin Odegaard, who pulled the strings for the title-chasers in midfield.

Despite their valiant effort though, it wasn’t enough to snatch top spot, with the north Londoners expected to strengthen bolster their ranks this summer in an attempt to wrestle the title away from Pep Guardiola and co.

One name mooted as a potential option is Nico Williams, whose tantalising performances have caught the eye for Spain at Euro 2024.

The lightning-fast winger has started both of La Roja’s group matches, with talk of a move away from Athletic Club starting to pick up.

It’s reported Arsenal are one of several Premier League clubs taking note, with Williams’ release clause rumoured to be in the region of £43million.

On paper, it’s a deal that makes perfect sense. A relatively low transfer fee for a player whose best years are yet to come – what’s not to love?

However, it’s claimed by GOAL that Williams’ wage demands would see him rank as the second-highest earner at the club, a move that could potentially cause unrest behind the scenes.

As per Spotrac, Kai Havertz sits top of Arsenal’s wage bill, with the German pocketing a reported £280,000 per week.

Gabriel Jesus is second with a salary worth £265,000 per week, but after that, it’s a big-ish drop off to the likes of Saka, Saliba, Gabriel and Odegaard.

So much of Arteta’s success has been finding a strong team harmony among a squad of talented, but previously untested players.

As Arsenal look to take the next step in their evolution to becoming the best team in England – and potentially Europe – managing the sentiments within the dressing room could prove tricky.

And if Arsenal’s wage structure is tinkered with too much, it could spark a chain reaction that spirals out of control.