James McNicholas

London

Arsenal Correspondent at The Athletic

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Articles

Arsenal in advanced talks with Matteo Tognozzi over senior recruitment role

1 day ago | nytimes.com | James McNicholas

Arsenal are in advanced talks with Matteo Tognozzi over a senior recruitment role. Sporting director Andrea Berta, who joined the Premier League club in March, is hoping to expand the group working closest to him following the departure of predecessor Jason Ayto. Ayto held the role on an interim basis following Edu's exit in November before the club opted for former Atletico Madrid executive Berta on a permanent basis.
Summer window latest, key targets and likely exits

3 days ago | nytimes.com | James McNicholas

Arsenal have once again qualified for the Champions League and go into the summer trying to give Mikel Arteta the tools he needs to push for that elusive Premier League title after finishing second for the third season in a row. But who will make the decisions over the signings they hope will get them there? What positions are they prioritising? Do they have players they want to sell? And will their PSR position allow them to strengthen significantly?
What led to Arsenal's injury problems this season?

1 week ago | nytimes.com | James McNicholas

The 2024-25 season was a bruising one for the Arsenal men's team, and they may well bear some scars from it - quite literally. Many of their best players - Gabriel, Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz - endured significant injuries. A number had to undergo surgery to repair whichever body part had failed. After the campaign's final home game against Newcastle United on May 18, manager Mikel Arteta addressed the situation in his post-match speech from the pitch.
Arsenal close to agreeing new long-term contract with Gabriel

1 week ago | nytimes.com | James McNicholas

Arsenal defender Gabriel is close to agreeing a new long-term contract with the club. Sporting director Andrea Berta made talks with the centre-back's camp a priority shortly after starting his role at Arsenal in March. Those negotiations are now approaching a successful conclusion. Securing Gabriel's future will be a significant statement from Arsenal at the outset of a summer in which Berta has a considerable amount of business to attend to.
Zubimendi latest, Nwaneri, Lewis-Skelly contracts, Martinez links

1 week ago | nytimes.com | James McNicholas

The hope is that both will be fit at (or near to) the start of next season - but these things are rarely linear, so I'd be wary of making a clear prognosis. 2) Karl Hein has played a full season in La Liga (with Real Valladolid) and remains under contract at Arsenal. He'd certainly offer an economical way of securing a backup for David Raya.
James McNicholas answers your questions

1 week ago | nytimes.com | James McNicholas

The 2024-25 season is now over and a third successive second-place finish has been achieved in the Premier League, along with a run to the semi-finals of the Champions League. Though supporters will have wanted to go further this season, Mikel Arteta and his squad faced several hurdles, including injuries in key areas.
Southampton 1 Arsenal 2

1 week ago | nytimes.com | James McNicholas |Dan Sheldon

Arsenal were indebted to Martin Odegaard's superb late strike as they finished the season with a 2-1 win over bottom side Southampton. Cult hero Kieran Tierney opened the scoring just before half-time on his final appearance for the club, sweeping home Ben White's low cross beyond former team-mate Aaron Ramsdale. In front of new manager Will Still, Southampton equalised through Ross Stewart just before the hour mark.
Jason Ayto leaves Arsenal after interim spell as sporting director

2 weeks ago | nytimes.com | James McNicholas

Arsenal's assistant sporting director Jason Ayto has left the club. Ayto was promoted to the sporting director role on an interim basis after Edu Gaspar resigned from his position in November, having previously been the Brazilian's assistant. Ayto was a strong candidate in the process to be appointed to the role on a permanent basis but, in March, Arsenal appointed Andrea Berta to be Edu's successor.
Futures of Martinelli and Trossard may prove key to summer plans

2 weeks ago | nytimes.com | James McNicholas

For all the talk of Arsenal's need for a No 9, other areas of the front line may come into focus during the transfer window. Arsenal want to add to their wide options. Their interest in Athletic Club's Nico Williams is longstanding and well-known but Arsenal are also monitoring alternatives abroad and within the Premier League, including Jamie Gittens of Borussia Dortmund. Securing a new winger will not be straightforward.
Flamengo exploring deal to sign Jorginho from Arsenal early for Club World Cup

2 weeks ago | nytimes.com | James McNicholas |Mario Cortegana

Flamengo are exploring a deal with Arsenal which would see Jorginho join in time for this summer's Club World Cup. The 33-year-old's contract with Arsenal expires at the end of June and he is set to join the Brazilian club on a free transfer. The contract is expected to see him stay at the Brazilian club until December 2028, and discussions now are underway over Arsenal releasing him early to allow him to feature for his new club in the Club World Cup, which begins earlier in June.