With the contracts of Thomas Partey and Jorginho set to expire and depart on free transfers, Arsenal are already understood to be making succession plans.
Teenager Myles Lewis-Skelly, having starred at left-back during his breakthrough season, is expected to be given opportunities to impress next season in his favoured midfield role.
Reports earlier this week, meanwhile, claimed the Gunners have already agreed a deal with Real Sociedad for Spain international midfielder Martin Zubimendi.
Arsenal are said to have agreed to pay the 25-year-old’s £51 million release clause in full and although Arteta wouldn’t be drawn directly on speculation suggesting the player is bound for north London, he did reinforce the message that he is always evolving the squad.
‘We have certain situations with contracts expiring,’ said Arteta, speaking ahead of tomorrow’s game against Aston Villa.
‘We can renew those contracts like we have done in the past. We are always actively evolving the squad and understanding what the players want to do when they finish our contract together, and we have to be prepared.’
Arsenal’s immediate transfer focus remains centered on signing a new forward given the injuries sustained by Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus.
Brentford have already ruled out either Bryan Mbeumo or Yoane Wissa departing this month while RB Leipzig have no intention of allowing prize asset Benjamin Sesko to leave before the summer.
‘At the moment we don’t have them, we are actively trying to find the best possible solution but we will have to wait and see what we can do,’ said Arteta on the prospect of new arrivals.
‘Obviously we have lost two massive players for us in the frontline and we need some support there.’
Arsenal got back to winning ways in midweek with a morale-boosting victory over Tottenham in the north London derby.
With Brenford hosting Liverpool also on Saturday, the Gunners will harbour hopes of eating further into the gap at the top but Arteta is acutely aware of the threat Villa will pose.
Unai Emery’s team did the double of Arsenal last season and effectively cost Arsenal the title with a win at the Emirates during the run in.
He said: ‘We know the difficulty of the team that they are, that’s why they’re performing so well. They have an excellent coach, very good players, really good organisation and we are so used to that in the Premier League.
‘It’s not very different every three days so tomorrow we’re going to have to be really good again to win the game.’
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