Arsenal Eyes Blockbuster Summer Signings to Transform 2025-26 Squad
Three consecutive campaigns have brought the identical heartbreaking narrative for Arsenal, yet the 2025–26 season presents the Gunners with a new opportunity for redemption.
Mikel Arteta's squad has secured runner-up positions in the Premier League across three successive years, while their trophy cabinet—barring the Community Shield—remains empty for five complete campaigns. Though consistently challenging for major honors, they have repeatedly come up short in crucial moments.
Arsenal will be eager to take that final step next term and claim the Premier League crown, or at minimum, capture some significant silverware. To fulfill these aspirations, they require an outstanding summer recruitment period.
Here's how Arsenal's ideal transfer window might unfold.
Positions to Strengthen
Arsenal have already secured four new additions to their roster as they seek to refine their talented group. Kepa Arrizabalaga represents a practical rather than spectacular acquisition, brought in as backup goalkeeper, while Christian Nørgaard is a modest yet intelligent purchase to strengthen the midfield.
Martín Zubimendi marked Arsenal's premier marquee acquisition of the transfer period, addressing a crucial gap as the club previously lacked a genuinely world-class holding midfielder. Declan Rice excels in that role but has been deployed in a more dynamic capacity for the Gunners, where he has flourished. Thomas Partey's exit made the £51 million ($68.4 million) investment in the 26-year-old absolutely necessary.
Noni Madueke wasn't anticipated at the window's outset but delivers essential squad depth in wide areas. The £52 million ($69.8 million) winger has transferred from Chelsea to offer competition on the wings, with his adaptability proving invaluable for Arteta.
However, one obvious deficiency remains in Arsenal's roster: the striker position. Arsenal urgently require a traditional and lethal No.9 who can propel them to European glory, as Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus have yet to fully establish themselves in that capacity.
Dream Signings
Arsenal's striker preference is now crystal clear. Sporting CP's Viktor Gyökeres has captured the club's attention for considerable time, and the Gunners are approaching the completion of negotiations for the 27-year-old. The north London outfit has secured personal agreements with the Swedish forward and is in advanced discussions with the Portuguese club regarding their star player.
Gyökeres, who has netted 97 times over the previous two seasons, would represent a magnificent acquisition for the Gunners and precisely what Arteta requires up front. The Scandinavian marksman possesses Premier League experience and has consistently demonstrated his finishing prowess.
Arsenal's squad appears complete following Gyökeres' potential arrival, though possible exits might necessitate additional market activity.
Dream Departures
Arsenal must offload players to generate revenue for summer acquisitions, having already cleared Partey, Jorginho, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Nuno Tavares and Kieran Tierney from their payroll.
Additional squad reduction opportunities exist, with Oleksandr Zinchenko potentially representing the most straightforward path to recovering funds. The 28-year-old featured in merely five Premier League starts last campaign but could generate income through a permanent sale.
Albert Sambi Lokonga and Fábio Vieira both experienced European loan spells last season, with neither appearing to have extended futures at the Gunners. Both players could improve Arsenal's financial position and seem likely to depart this summer.
Reiss Nelson will almost inevitably leave the Emirates following a disappointing, injury-plagued loan period at Fulham. Jakub Kiwior might seek an exit at center-back pursuing increased playing time, though he would only be permitted to leave if the Gunners secure a replacement.
Arsenal 2025–26 Dream Starting Lineup
Arsenal's defensive unit will remain consistent from last campaign given the exceptional quality throughout their backline and goalkeeping position. In the middle of the park, Zubimendi will join the team, positioned between Martin Ødegaard and Rice in what could become Europe's finest midfield trio.
The attacking third will undergo significant transformation. While Bukayo Saka's starting position remains absolutely secure, Havertz will likely move to the substitutes' bench upon Gyökeres' Emirates arrival. Madueke will engage in intense competition with Gabriel Martinelli for the left-wing starting role.
Arsenal's 2025–26 dream XI (4-3-3): Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Ødegaard, Zubimendi, Rice; Saka, Gyökeres, Madueke.