Arsenal Deadline Day involves a flurry of moves culminates record-breaking summer. The transfer window of summer 2025 ended in a whirlwind of activity for Arsenal and sporting director Andrea Berta’s goals may have just been achieved. The Club signed it’s eighth player after a transformation of a project – including a massive intermediate upheaval of everything Arsenal wanted to correct, to final and temporary loan and permanent exits, as a chance to re-align a roster for Mikel Arteta.
Major Incoming: Hincapie Joins on Loan
The only sign on Deadline Day for Arsenal was the Ecuadorian defender, Piero Hincapie from Bayer Leverkusen. However, under the terms of the deal, the defensive prospect is on a season-long loan with a £45 million option to buy. Moreover, The 21-year-old defender strengthens Arsenal’s options defensively, and Arteta claimed Hincapie boasts a “physical presence, versatility, and tactical flexibility,” and strengthens the back 4.
🚨🔴⚪️ Piero Hincapié has said yes to Arsenal and personal terms have been agreed, long term deal ready!
Understand Hincapié favors #AFC and also seen as ideal signing by Arteta.
Arsenal prepare opening bid, likely loan + obligation to buy… with Kiwior to FC Porto, soon. 🔄👀 pic.twitter.com/sLouOyh4Jx
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 26, 2025
Major Outgoings: Zinchenko Leads Exodus
Perhaps the most shocking exit was Oleksandr Zinchenko, who signed on loan to Nottingham Forest. The Ukrainian international’s decline in the pecking order was due to Myles Lewis-Skelly’s emergence, and Riccardo Calafiori signing. Other key exits included:
Jakub Kiwior: Loaned to Porto with a £24 million obligation to buy.
Fabio Vieira and Albert Sambi Lokonga: Both moved to Hamburg SV, on loan and permanently, respectively.
Reiss Nelson: Loaned to Brentford after limited opportunities.
Record-Breaking Summer Spending
Arsenal spent about £257 million over the summer; it was their largest and most aggressive window to this point. Their initial signings in the window included:
Victor Gyokeres for (£63.5 million) and Eberechi Eze for (£60 million) to round out attacking depth.
Martin Zubimendi for (£51 million) to enhance midfield creativity.
Strategic Shift and Future Plans
The club’s focus on outgoings aimed to balance the squad and reduce redundancy. Players such as Gabriel Martinelli had an uncertain future ahead of them. However, for the present, they remain with Arsenal. Though Saudi Pro League clubs are still able to put in proposals until September 23. The Deadline Day moves also reflected Arsenal’s steadfastness in continuing with their previous model to balance financial sustainability and contrive competitive depth, ready for a realistic tilt towards the title in 2025/26.