Arsenal are planning another busy summer in the transfer market, with four positions likely to be strengthened after Champions League heartbreak. The Gunners are Premier League champions for the first time in 22 years and came incredibly close to pulling off a remarkable double. Taking on defending champions Paris Saint-Germain in Budapest on Saturday night, the teams could not be separated over 120 minutes, with the match finishing 1-1. The Champions League final went to penalties and PSG edged it 4-3, with misses from Eberechi Eze and Gabriel Magalhaes costing Arsenal.
It was a painful way to end the campaign, but it has still been a very successful season for Arsenal, who will expect to lift more silverware in 2027. While they have a very impressive squad as it is, the Gunners do not intend to rest on their laurels and significant investment is planned again this summer.
Four Positions Under Review
The Athletic’s David Ornstein told TNT Sports after Saturday’s final that Arsenal are looking at four positions in particular to improve on in the next transfer window. Those positions are: centre-forward, left-winger, a six/eight midfielder and right-back. The left side of attack was labelled a ‘big priority’ and a position that has been looked at for some time, with an improvement on Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli targeted.
Centre-Forward Dilemma
Arsenal only signed a big-money centre-forward last summer in Viktor Gyokeres, but whether he is the long-term answer is up for debate. The Swede scored 21 goals in all competitions this season, but was on the bench for the Champions League final, with Arteta preferring Kai Havertz up front. A new striker would also make an Arsenal future for Gabriel Jesus unlikely, with the Brazil international already third choice behind Gyokeres and Havertz.
Midfield and Right-Back Options
Martin Zubimendi also arrived last summer and appeared to have cemented his place in midfield alongside Declan Rice, but his performances have dropped off in the second half of the season. The Spain international was also on the bench in Budapest, with Arteta opting for Myles Lewis-Skelly in midfield instead. A new central midfielder would likely spell the end for Christian Norgaard at the Emirates, with the Dane rarely featuring since his move from Brentford last year.
Jurrien Timber has had injury issues during his Arsenal career but seems certain to remain first choice right-back as he has been excellent when fit. Any addition in that position would be cover, as Cristhian Mosquera started there against PSG and he is a more natural centre-back.
Potential Departures
If the Gunners do make four signings this summer then departures seem certain for those who would be pushed down the pecking order. If a left-winger is brought in then it would be unlikely that both Martinelli and Trossard remain at the club as three players would be competing for one place. The summer transfer window promises to be a pivotal one for Arsenal as they look to build on their domestic success and go one step further in Europe.
