Arteta targets ‘crucial summer’ of tough decisions to take Arsenal to next level

Mikel Arteta is steeling himself for a “crucial summer” in the development of his Arsenal side as they aim to bridge the gap from title chasers to winners, with significant transfer activity expected and difficult calls likely during the next stage of their evolution.

Arsenal can remain in the hunt for first place with a win at Nottingham Forest on Saturday, although they know Manchester City would settle the issue by beating Chelsea on Sunday. Assuming there is to be no unlikely twist Arteta must reflect on a season in which his squad could not sustain a push that has run City close. Granit Xhaka’s likely move to Bayer Leverkusen will signal a revamp of Arsenal’s midfield, with Declan Rice favoured to come in, and Arteta knows the club cannot afford missteps before August.

“Crucial, I would say,” said the manager when asked about the importance of the upcoming pre-season. “To go to the next level is going to be a crucial summer for us, that is for sure. First of all to make sure we maintain everything we have at the club right now: that we maintain expectations; that we maintain the enthusiasm and energy that are around the place; and we have proper preparation to fulfil the objectives and challenges we will have next season.”

Along with Xhaka, who has been a stalwart in his first XI but turns 31 in September and looks set to leave, fringe players such as Kieran Tierney, Rob Holding and Emile Smith Rowe may move on. “Tough decisions sometimes are something that depends on you, and sometimes depends on the players who want to seek a different challenge,” Arteta said, not referring to specific individuals, about the choices that must be made.

Arteta had cut a glum figure after the 3-0 defeat to Brighton on Sunday and said