Arsenal face a crucial transfer window as Mikel Arteta enters a make-or-break summer for his project. After consecutive near-misses in title races, the Gunners must address deficiencies across multiple positions to bridge the gap to Manchester City and Liverpool.

The pressure on sporting director Andrea Berta and Arteta is significant. The squad’s limitations have been exposed, particularly in attack, while squad depth remains questionable. Arsenal’s summer business will determine whether they can finally deliver a Premier League title.

Arsenal Transfer Targets 2025:

The Striker Conundrum: Arsenal’s Priority Hunt

Benjamin Sesko has emerged as a genuine target after impressive Leipzig performances. The Slovenian’s €80m market value is steep but Arsenal’s coffers are big and they can manage it. With age on his side, he would genuinely grow into an important player in Arteta’s team.

Viktor Gyokeres continues generating interest despite Sporting CP’s high asking price and could likely ended up signing for the Gunners. Liam Delap and Ollie Watkins represent Premier League-proven alternatives, with Watkins appealing after his England breakthrough. There was a breif rumour about Brighton’s Joao Pedro as well, although it would be a disaster signing.

Alexander Isak is one of Arsenal’s top striker target, though Newcastle’s Champions League qualification makes this transfer unrealistic. The Swedish international offers physicality, technical ability, and clinical finishing that Arteta wants.

Victor Osimhen remains available but his wage demands exceed Arsenal’s structure. The Nigerian’s quality is unquestionable, yet financial constraints make this deal unlikely.

Midfield Reinforcements: Zubimendi and Beyond

Martin Zubimendi appears destined for Emirates Stadium as Arsenal seek a Jorginho replacement. The Real Sociedad captain’s £51m release clause represents fair value.

With Thomas Partey’s contract unresolved, Arsenal may require additional midfield reinforcement. Lucien Agoume has impressed despite Sevilla’s struggles, offering defensive solidity and progressive passing.

Xavi Simons continues generating interest as RB Leipzig’s versatile playmaker seeks a permanent move. His multi-positional ability appeals to Arteta, though the financial commitment may prove prohibitive.

This pragmatic approach allows resources to be concentrated on more pressing positions.

Winger Revolution: Addressing Saka’s Support

Raheem Sterling’s disappointing loan move, Saka’s injuries, Martinelli’s goal droughts has highlighted Arsenal’s need for reinforcement in the wide areas.

Real Madrid’s Rodrygo has emerged as a genuine target after rumours circulated that Xabi Alonso considers the Brazilian as surplus for his requirement. Rodrygo could be the missing piece in Arsenal’s title puzzle.

Leroy Sane presents a free-transfer opportunity with his Bayern Munich contract expiring. Arteta’s previous work with the German at Manchester City adds appeal, though injury concerns persist.

Nico Williams remains a premium target despite Athletic Bilbao’s reluctance to negotiate below his release clause. Competition from Real Madrid complicates matters.

Eberechi Eze has emerged as a creative wide option, with Crystal Palace’s versatile attacker providing unpredictability Arsenal have lacked.

Kaoru Mitoma presents an option from Brighton, with the Japanese winger’s pace and trickery offering something different. His injury record concerns scouts.

Premier League options include Bryan Mbeumo, Antoine Semenyo, and Anthony Gordon. Jamie Gittens represents long-term thinking from Borussia Dortmund.

Rafael Leao remains ambitious, though AC Milan’s valuation appears prohibitive. Ademola Lookman has generated interest after Atalanta success.

Defensive Depth and Goalkeeping Solutions

Joan Garcia remains Arsenal’s primary goalkeeping target after last summer’s failed pursuit. Espanyol’s £25m release clause represents significant investment for a backup.

Kepa Arrizabalaga has emerged as an alternative, though his wage demands may prove problematic. Brazilian prospect Kaique Pereira from Ceará represents a longer-term investment.

Marc Guehi has become a serious target as Arsenal seek backline reinforcement. The Crystal Palace captain’s leadership and Premier League experience make him attractive, though Palace’s high valuation complicates negotiations.

Jorrel Hato’s versatility appeals to Arteta’s system, while Juan Giménez from Feyenoord offers another young centre-back option. Valencia’s Cristhian Mosquera has impressed scouts with pace and aerial ability. Adrian Przyborek remains a developmental option.

The Financial Reality

Arsenal’s spending will be constrained by Financial Fair Play and their targets’ combined cost. Striker and winger positions demand immediate attention. Sales of fringe players could generate necessary funds.

The club’s approach suggests quality over quantity, targeting proven performers who can immediately impact their title challenge.

Conclusion: Make-or-Break Territory

Arsenal’s summer transfer window will define Arteta’s legacy. The identified targets suggest tactical evolution toward greater physicality while maintaining technical excellence.

Success depends on execution. Missing primary targets could doom another season of near-misses. Securing key signings across striker, winger, and midfield positions could deliver the Premier League title that has eluded Arsenal for two decades.

Arsenal’s transfer activity will determine whether 2025/26 marks their championship return.

Transfer Target Likelihood Assessment

Player	Position	Current Club	Likelihood (/10)
Alexander Isak	Striker	Newcastle United	3/10
Benjamin Sesko	Striker	RB Leipzig	7/10
Viktor Gyokeres	Striker	Sporting CP	7/10
Liam Delap	Striker	Ipswich Town	2/10
Ollie Watkins	Striker	Aston Villa	5/10
Victor Osimhen	Striker	Napoli	2/10
Martin Zubimendi	Midfielder	Real Sociedad	9/10
Lucien Agoume	Midfielder	Sevilla	6/10
Xavi Simons	Midfielder/Winger	RB Leipzig	4/10
Leroy Sane	Winger	Bayern Munich	6/10
Nico Williams	Winger	Athletic Bilbao	5/10
Bryan Mbeumo	Winger	Brentford	7/10
Antoine Semenyo	Winger	Bournemouth	6/10
Anthony Gordon	Winger	Newcastle United	3/10
Jamie Gittens	Winger	Borussia Dortmund	5/10
Rafael Leao	Winger	AC Milan	2/10
Ademola Lookman	Winger	Atalanta	4/10
Eberechi Eze	Winger/Midfielder	Crystal Palace	6/10
Kaoru Mitoma	Winger	Brighton	5/10
Joan Garcia	Goalkeeper	Espanyol	5/10
Kepa Arrizabalaga	Goalkeeper	Chelsea	6/10
Kaique Pereira	Goalkeeper	Ceará	6/10
Marc Guehi	Centre-back	Crystal Palace	5/10
Jorrel Hato	Centre-back/Left-back	Ajax	6/10
Juan Giménez	Centre-back	Feyenoord	4/10
Cristhian Mosquera	Centre-back	Valencia	5/10
Adrian Przyborek	Centre-back	Unknown	2/10

Arsenal Eye Rodrygo Move as Gyokeres Alternative Emerges

Arsenal are seriously considering a summer move for Real Madrid’s Rodrygo, viewing the Brazilian as the missing piece in their title puzzle. The 24-year-old has become available as Madrid reshape their attack around Mbappe and Vinicius, and Arteta sees him as the natural left-footed winger they’ve desperately needed.

While the Gunners have also been tracking Viktor Gyokeres at Sporting CP, Rodrygo offers something different – proven quality at the highest level and the kind of big-game mentality this Arsenal squad has been questioned about in crunch moments.

What Arsenal Would Be Getting

Goals When It Matters Rodrygo isn’t just a highlights reel player. He’s scored 12 goals and grabbed 9 assists this season despite being rotated regularly in Madrid’s loaded attack. His 18.2% shot conversion rate is well above average for wingers in La Liga, and more importantly, he turns up when the lights are brightest.

His Champions League record tells the story – crucial goals against Chelsea, City, and other Premier League sides prove he can handle the pressure. That’s exactly what Arsenal have been missing in their title runs.

Technical Profile The Brazilian solves Arsenal’s right-wing problem in one move. His left foot provides natural balance, cutting inside to create or shoot while allowing Saka to potentially move to the left or giving Arteta tactical flexibility. At 5’7″ with quick feet, he navigates tight spaces well and consistently beats defenders one-on-one.

His crossing from wide areas is genuinely excellent, and he’s averaging 2.3 key passes per game this season. Not just a goalscorer, then – he creates plenty for others too.

Fits Like a Glove Tactically Under Ancelotti, Rodrygo has played right wing, left wing, and false nine, often switching mid-game. That versatility is perfect for Arteta’s system, where wingers drift inside to create overloads. His defensive work has improved massively – 1.8 tackles per game shows he gets the modern winger role.

The Gyokeres Factor

Arsenal’s interest in Sporting’s Viktor Gyokeres adds another layer to their summer planning. While the Swedish striker has been prolific in Portugal, Rodrygo offers Premier League-tested quality and immediate integration into Arteta’s setup. The Brazilian’s experience against English opposition in Europe means no adaptation period – something crucial in a title race.

-> READ MORE: Viktor Gyokeres to Arsenal: Scout Report + SWOT Analysis

SWOT Analysis

Strengths

Clutch Gene Simple as that – Rodrygo delivers in big moments. His 0.73 goals per 90 in Champions League knockouts over three seasons is elite. Arsenal have bottled too many crucial games; this guy thrives in them.

Perfect Tactical Match Everything about his game suits Arteta’s vision. Drifts inside naturally, creates space for overlapping fullbacks, provides the left-footed balance they’ve missed since Alexis left. He’s basically made for this system.

Premier League Ready Unlike most La Liga signings, he’s repeatedly faced Premier League teams in the Champions League and performed. No concerns about physicality or pace – he’s already proven he can handle it.

Weaknesses

League Form Questions While he shines in big games, his La Liga consistency isn’t perfect – just 8 goals in 23 league appearances. The week-to-week grind of Premier League football might expose this.

Aerial Limitations Wins only 31% of aerial duels, which limits Arsenal’s attacking options from set pieces and crosses. Not a deal-breaker, but something Arteta would need to work around.

Opportunities

Title Difference-Maker Arsenal’s squad lacks a winger who can single-handedly decide matches. City look vulnerable, Liverpool inconsistent – the right addition could tip the balance.

European Catalyst His Champions League pedigree could transform Arsenal’s knockout mentality. Sometimes it’s about believing you belong at that level.

Threats

Price Tag Pressure Madrid won’t sell cheap – probably €80-100m. That’s serious money that could backfire if he doesn’t adapt quickly.

Wage Structure Risk His salary demands might upset Arsenal’s carefully managed structure and create problems with current players.

-> READ MORE: Rafael Leao to Arsenal: Scout Report + SWOT Analysis

Bottom Line

Rodrygo makes sense on every level except the price tag. He addresses Arsenal’s biggest tactical need, brings proven big-game quality, and fits perfectly into Arteta’s system. While Gyokeres offers a different option as a central striker, Rodrygo’s versatility and Premier League experience make him the smarter move.

The question isn’t whether he’d improve Arsenal – it’s whether they can afford to make it happen without compromising other areas of the squad. In a tight title race where margins are tiny, sometimes you need to take calculated risks. This feels like one worth taking.

-> READ MORE: Benjamin Sesko to Arsenal: Scout Report + SWOT Analysis

Checkout All our Scout Reports

Viktor Gyokeres has left the door open for a potential summer move to Arsenal after his response when quizzed about his future. The Sporting CP striker’s reply has caught attention, with transfer guru Fabrizio Romano revealing the Swedish international’s stance on potential links to North London.

When pressed about his future plans, Gyokeres offered a diplomatic yet revealing response: “It’s impossible to say, we never know what happens in football.” The 26-year-old striker then addressed the Arsenal speculation directly, stating: “Arsenal links? I don’t know anything. My focus was on the games. If the links were true then… we will see this summer.”

https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1926880983980339264

It’s that phrase – “we will see this summer” – that has caught Arsenal supporters’ attention. Rather than dismissing the speculation, Gyokeres appears to be keeping his options open for summer discussions.

The timing of these comments couldn’t be more significant. Arsenal’s pursuit of a proven goalscorer has been well-documented, with Mikel Arteta’s side falling short in the title race due to inconsistent finishing. Gabriel Jesus has struggled with injuries and form, while Eddie Nketiah’s departure has left Arsenal light on attacking options.

Gyokeres’ explosive form at Sporting CP has made him one of Europe’s most coveted strikers. The former Coventry City forward has netted an impressive 66 goals in 68 appearances since joining the Portuguese giants, establishing himself as a lethal finisher capable of leading the line for a title-challenging side.

Arsenal’s interest appears genuine, with reports suggesting the Gunners have been monitoring the Swedish international throughout the season with some reports even suggesting that Gyokores’ move is all but confirmed. His comments to Romano suggest he’s aware of the speculation and isn’t ruling out a move, despite maintaining his focus on current commitments.

The striker’s measured response also indicates a professional approach to transfer speculation. Rather than fueling rumors or making bold declarations, Gyokeres has positioned himself perfectly – remaining committed to Sporting while acknowledging that football’s unpredictable nature means anything could happen.

-> READ MORE: 3 Tactical Reasons Why Martin Zubimendi to Arsenal Makes Perfect Sense

Would Gyokeres tactically fit in at Arsenal?

Summer transfer windows often hinge on such statements, and Gyokeres’ words suggest he’s prepared for potential discussions. Arsenal’s pursuit of attacking reinforcements is expected to intensify once the season concludes.

Tactically, Gyokeres would provide Arsenal with the clinical edge they’ve desperately sought. His physical presence, aerial ability, and intelligent movement in the box would complement Arsenal’s creative midfield perfectly. The Swedish striker’s knack for finding space and his composure in crucial moments make him an ideal fit for Arteta’s system, offering the ruthless finishing that could transform the Gunners from title challengers into genuine champions. His versatility to drop deep and link play would also suit Arsenal’s fluid attacking approach, making this potential transfer a perfect tactical marriage.

-> READ MORE: Arsenal’s Next Saka? Scout Report of Max Dowman who is set for First-Team role

Checkout All our Scout Reports