Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has expressed confidence in the club’s ongoing transfer activities, stating there is still “a lot of time left” in the summer window to bolster his squad ahead of the 2025-26 Premier League season. Speaking in Singapore during Arsenal’s pre-season tour of Asia, Arteta hinted at further additions to an already busy transfer period, as the Gunners aim to close the gap on champions Liverpool and end their trophy drought.
The North London club has been proactive in the market, securing the signatures of Martin Zubimendi, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Christian Norgaard, and Noni Madueke for a combined total of approximately £123.5m. Negotiations are also advancing for Sporting Lisbon’s prolific striker Viktor Gyokeres, valued at €73.5m (£63.5m), and Valencia’s promising young defender Cristhian Mosquera. Despite these moves, Arteta remains eager to enhance the squad’s depth and quality, particularly after finishing second in the Premier League for three consecutive seasons.
“In terms of numbers, we are short and we have to improve the depth and quality of the squad,” Arteta said, addressing the media ahead of Arsenal’s friendly against AC Milan. “We are constantly looking in the market. There’s still a long time in the window, and we are seeking still. Until that happens, we focus on the players we have – and I’m very pleased with what I have seen in the last 10-15 days.” His comments echo sentiments he shared earlier in the transfer window, when he noted the need to “improve the team” while maintaining flexibility for both incomings and outgoings.
Arsenal’s pursuit of Gyokeres has been a focal point of their transfer strategy, with sporting director Andrea Berta reportedly backing the Swedish striker to make an immediate impact. Sources indicate Gyokeres is keen on the move, though negotiations with Sporting Lisbon have yet to be finalized. The 27-year-old’s potential arrival could address Arsenal’s need for a clinical centre-forward, an area where they lagged behind Liverpool last season, scoring 17 fewer goals than the champions’ tally of 86. Arteta remained tight-lipped on specific targets, saying, “I cannot comment on any player who is not part of our group yet. When we have something concrete to offer, we will do that.”
The addition of Mosquera, a versatile Spain Under-21 defender, would further strengthen Arsenal’s backline, which already boasts the Premier League’s best defensive record for two consecutive seasons. However, potential departures, including Thomas Partey, whose contract expires in June, and out-of-favour players like Jakub Kiwior and Oleksandr Zinchenko, could influence the club’s transfer plans. Arteta’s focus on squad depth suggests he is preparing for the rigours of a demanding campaign across multiple competitions, including the Premier League, Champions League, and domestic cups.
Reflecting on the new signings, Arteta highlighted the energy they bring to the group. “It’s like shaking the tree again,” he said. “New faces bring new excitement, new energy as well. We signed very important players, and I think everybody feels that the heights have to go to a different level.” The arrivals of Zubimendi and Norgaard are expected to bolster Arsenal’s midfield, with the latter praised for his understated yet effective contributions at Brentford. Madueke, signed from rivals Chelsea for £52m, is seen as a dynamic winger capable of competing for a starting spot, a move Arteta personally championed.
As Arsenal prepare for matches against AC Milan, Newcastle, and rivals Tottenham during their Asia tour, the transfer rumour mill continues to churn. Reports have linked the Gunners with Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi and Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, though Arteta’s priority remains a marquee striker to complement the creative talents of Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz. With the transfer window open until late August, Arsenal fans are hopeful that Berta and Arteta can deliver the final pieces to propel the club to their first Premier League title since 2004. “We plan to invest to get behind winning and doing better next season,” co-chairman Josh Kroenke said earlier this year, reinforcing the club’s ambition.