Arsenal's slow start in the transfer window has left many fans feeling frustrated. The Gunners were expected to be one of the more active teams in the market as manager Mikel Arteta aims to restore them to Premier League title contention, amidst stiff competition from current champions Liverpool and Manchester City.
Arteta is under considerable pressure following another trophyless season, and he'll need reinforcements to close the gap on their rivals. Newly appointed transfer chief Andrea Berta has just taken up his role and is reportedly working tirelessly to secure new signings.
Arsenal needs to bolster their squad in numerous areas, particularly in the forward position, where it spent much of the 2024-25 campaign without a recognised striker. Arteta could also benefit from a new midfielder after losing Jorginho on a free transfer, and a new winger is also high on their list of priorities for squad enhancement. Here's a look at the transfer situation at the Emirates since the window reopened on Monday.
Confirmed signings
As previously mentioned, Arsenal have yet to announce any new signings this summer - a worrying fact considering the activity of rivals Manchester City and Liverpool.
Arsenal, meanwhile, are said to be closing in on a deal for Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi. The Spanish international, who is considered one of Europe's top midfielders following his impressive season in La Liga, would bring both grit and quality to the Gunners' midfield.
It was reported last week that Arsenal are prepared to pay more than Zubimendi's £51m release clause to secure his services.
The deal has reportedly been delayed due to Sociedad's preference for it to be finalised in July for accounting purposes, while Arsenal have been negotiating the payment structure. Fans will be hoping that their first signing of the summer will be announced soon.
In addition to Zubimendi, Arsenal are also in the market for a new striker, with Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres identified as primary targets. However, negotiations for both players have been challenging, with RB Leipzig and Sporting CP demanding hefty fees.
Arsenal have reportedly agreed personal terms with Slovenian striker Sesko. The only hurdle left is to agree on a transfer fee with his club, which is said to be between £68.5m and £85.5m.
Arsenal are set to embark on their pre-season tour of Asia next month, and there's growing optimism that they can finalise the deal before then.
The situation with Gyokeres is more complex, as Sporting are playing hardball over their star forward, who scored 53 goals in all competitions last season and is one of Europe's most coveted strikers.
With Gyokeres rejecting Manchester United, Arsenal seem to be leading the race for his signature. However, the player is reportedly frustrated with his club for inflating his price tag and has allegedly declined peace talks this week.
Sporting's president recently stated he wouldn't sell the striker for £60m, suggesting Arsenal may need to pay a hefty sum to secure him.
Another player on Arsenal's radar is Athletic Club winger Nico Williams, but they face tough competition from Barcelona for the Spanish international.
Confirmed departures
Arteta has already bid adieu to two players who have left on free transfers - Jorginho, who has joined Brazilian team Flamengo, and Kieran Tierney, who has returned to Celtic.
Lazio have snapped up forgotten Arsenal left-back Nuno Tavares for a modest £7.6m, following his successful loan spell with the Serie A club over the past campaign. Brazilian Marquinhos has also returned to his homeland.
Thomas Partey is still in talks over his future. His contract is up this summer and the club claimed that "discussions were ongoing" for a new deal, though there has been no new progress publicly. Even if Partey resolves to stay with Arsenal, his role is expected to diminish, particularly with the anticipated announcement of Zubimendi's arrival.
Leandro Trossard has also been linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League. His wife even hinted at a possible departure on social media, captioning a post with "grateful for the beautiful moments", which some have interpreted as a farewell message.