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The 2025 summer transfer window marked a turning point in north London, with Andrea Berta stepping into the spotlight for the first time since taking over as Arsenal's sporting director.
His predecessor, Edu Gaspar, had faced criticism from fans despite the significant role he played alongside Mikel Arteta in overhauling a toxic culture at Emirates Stadium and re-establishing the Gunners as one of the Premier League's elite clubs.
Within a year of Berta taking charge, Arsenal were crowned champions — though that doesn't tell the whole story. In reality, Arsenal's 2025 summer transfer window, widely praised at the time, is beginning to look less impressive in hindsight.
Their three headline signings of the window — Eberechi Eze, Viktor Gyökeres, and Martín Zubimendi — no longer feature in Arteta's first-choice lineup, even though all three played a part in the club's title triumph last season.
The championship success masked some underlying concerns about the new arrivals, but Berta will have nowhere to hide should Arteta's project fail to maintain its upward momentum. The Gunners entered the campaign as heavy favorites, though not entirely due to their own transfer activity. It was widely argued that the instability of Arsenal's most likely title rivals in 2026–27 would prevent a genuine championship battle.
While Berta has done solid work strengthening Arteta's defense and midfield, he was unable to secure the game-changing attacking talent that many felt Arsenal desperately needed following their Champions League final loss.
In the end, supporters were broadly satisfied with the summer's business, yet there's a lingering feeling that the door has been left open for potential challengers. Here's how Arsenal's five summer signings rank after the opening month of the new campaign.
5. Illan Meslier
Appearances: 0
Once considered a highly promising goalkeeper at Leeds United, Illan Meslier lost his form at Elland Road and now sits third in the pecking order at Arsenal.
Many had anticipated the Frenchman might challenge Kepa Arrizabalaga for the backup role behind David Raya, but Kepa has been preferred in the Carabao Cup, indicating he remains the clear second choice.
Meslier is yet to make a single competitive appearance for his new side.
4. Piero Hincapié
Appearances: 4
It came as little surprise when Arsenal confirmed the permanent acquisition of Piero Hincapié from Bayer Leverkusen.
The Gunners managed to lure him away from their fiercest rivals in 2025, initially bringing him in on loan before triggering an obligation to buy for £34.5 million ($45.6 million). Hincapié made 39 appearances across all competitions last season, but has found opportunities limited due to Riccardo Calafiori's impressive form at the start of this campaign.
The adaptable defender has featured just twice in the Premier League, with his only start coming in the Champions League victory against Napoli.
3. Bruno Guimarães
Appearances: 6
Bruno Guimarães' departure put the finishing touches on Newcastle United's summer clearout. The Brazilian has established himself as one of the finest midfielders on the planet over recent seasons, and he certainly wasn't to blame for Brazil's disappointing World Cup campaign this summer, despite his penalty miss in the round of 16 exit to Norway.
In a premium midfield market, Arsenal were willing to spend £75 million ($99 million) on the 28-year-old, confident he would make an immediate impact.
Fitness setbacks have prevented the dynamic midfielder from hitting the ground running at Arsenal, yet he still delivered a pivotal moment at the Stadium of Light to help the Gunners grind out a win over Newcastle's fierce rivals Sunderland.
He made sure the Mackems knew about it, too.
2. Christos Tzolis
Appearances: 8
For much of the window, fans assumed it would be Christos Tzolis alongside one other addition. Arsenal made attempts to sign Vinícius Júnior, were outbid by Chelsea in the race for Morgan Rogers, never mounted a serious challenge for Bradley Barcola, and were only briefly linked with Julián Alvarez.
Tzolis was brought in to fill the void left by the reliable Leandro Trossard, who delivered several crucial goals in the closing stages of last season.
The Greek international has made an encouraging start to life as a Gunner, bringing more pace and directness than Trossard typically offered on Arsenal's left flank. He's also a clever player with sharp decision-making in the attacking third.
Tzolis doesn't quite possess the star quality to lead this attack on his own, and Gabriel Martinelli's departure to Saudi Arabia has placed considerable pressure on the new arrival to deliver down Arsenal's left side.
1. Ezri Konsa
Appearances: 6
Arsenal have refined their recruitment approach under Berta, shifting focus toward identifying specific missing pieces rather than signing players with long-term development potential.
Ezri Konsa represented a timely market opportunity that the Gunners simply couldn't pass up once it became apparent that William Saliba would be sidelined for a significant portion of the upcoming season.
Arsenal shelled out £51 million ($67.4 million) for the seasoned England international — a considerable fee — but Konsa has slotted in seamlessly alongside Gabriel. He has performed as though he's been part of the squad for years, making Saliba's absence barely noticeable. That is, until the trip to Brighton & Hove Albion.
Saliba will reclaim his spot once he returns to fitness, but Arteta may face a selection headache at right back — a position Konsa is equally capable of filling.