Arsenal is becoming a toothless club catering to the whims of one man.
Arsenal are contemplating selling William Saliba to balance the books after Arteta’s new contract, which could put the club in a financial quagmire.
Mikel Arteta’s previous contract was reported at about £10 million per year basic salary, plus up to £5 million in bonuses (potential total around £15 million). New reported figures put it around £20 million per year, with some sources citing £20–25 million annually or roughly £17 million basic plus up to £3 million in bonuses. This significant increase makes him the highest-paid manager in the Premier League after Pep Guardiola’s departure and second in the world below Inzaghi in the Saudi league.
How can Arteta subject Arsenal to such a dilemma? At a time when the priority should be becoming the best in the world and winning major trophies in Europe and domestically, the club wants to sell its best player like Saliba and has already planned to cut 60 jobs, rendering hundreds jobless, just because Mikel Arteta decided to be a glutton to the club that trusted and backed him for years with heavy financial support in its entire history.
Mikel Arteta is already discussing an improved contract offer for Kai Havertz, who has been on £285k a week since 2023, constantly injured and below par. Kai should take a pay cut to stay beyond his contract ending in 2028 instead of an improved offer when 60 jobs are being cut to save costs.
The Arsenal team photo for the class of 2026/27 without William Saliba is not a mistake but a step towards the future that Arteta’s greedy contract and his favourite player Kai’s new offer have forced on our club. No one should be seen as greater than our club, and especially Mikel Arteta and Kai Havertz should be grateful Arsenal gave them the platform and support to stay relevant.