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As if missing out on Real Madrid winger Vinícius Júnior wasn't painful enough, Arsenal also lost Leicester City prospect Jeremy Monga to Manchester City — and the teenager didn't hold back, calling the move an obvious "no-brainer."
It's been a largely underwhelming summer window for the Gunners. The club has managed to bring in only winger Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge and former Leeds United shot-stopper Illan Meslier, with Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimarães reportedly heading to north London.
Securing the Brazilian's signature marks Arteta's first notable addition ahead of the 2026–27 campaign, though not for a lack of effort. Arsenal previously watched City swoop in and steal 17-year-old Monga from under their noses, and most recently failed to pry Vinícius Jr away from the Bernabéu.
Despite claiming the Premier League crown last season, the Gunners continue to struggle when it comes to attracting talent away from the sport's elite clubs — and Monga was quick to put Arsenal's standing in the Premier League pecking order into sharp perspective.
"It was very strong because it was very close to me going there, very close," Monga told BBC Sport regarding Arsenal's pursuit of him this summer. The young talent ultimately chose to make the Etihad Stadium his new home in a deal valued at £10 million ($13.4 million).
"The main decision was probably the pathway and the club itself. They've been so successful that it was a no-brainer when City call. It's every child's dream to win trophies and be at the top with the best.
"Once I get the opportunity I just need to show myself, and once I do that, everything will take care of itself. I feel like, to me personally, I see myself at City more. I see myself in blue."
Arsenal's Summer Disappointments Could Haunt Title Defense
Monga's candid remarks came just a day before Arsenal watched Real Madrid tie down Vinícius Jr to a new six-year contract. The Gunners had been actively chasing the winger and were reportedly prepared to spend big to bring him to the Emirates Stadium.
Yet all of Arsenal's negotiating ultimately served as little more than leverage for Vinícius Jr, who used the interest to push Los Blancos into offering him a lucrative extension after nearly 19 months of stalled talks.
The Brazil international would have been a transformative signing for Arsenal. The club is in clear need of reinforcement on the left flank. Tzolis has shown promise in preseason, contributing a goal and an assist across his first two outings, but he is likely to serve as a squad option for Arteta following Leandro Trossard's departure.
That leaves the inconsistent Gabriel Martinelli, Reiss Nelson, and natural right winger Noni Madueke as Arteta's remaining choices. A player of Vinícius Jr's quality would have immediately elevated Arsenal's attack, while Monga could have provided a promising long-term solution.
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In the end, the reigning Premier League champions secured neither. They also dropped out of the running for Morgan Rogers, who went on to complete a record-breaking move to Chelsea.
Time is running out for Arsenal to address its misfiring attack before the 2026–27 season gets underway. Viable alternatives remain available, but getting deals across the line has proven far more challenging than anticipated for the north London outfit.
With their fiercest rivals landing marquee signings with ease, the Gunners face mounting pressure to strengthen their ranks or risk undermining their title defense before it even begins.