Arsenal's sporting director, Andrea Berta, has little time to reflect on a successful summer transfer window as plans for January are likely already underway. Viktor Gyokeres, Eberechi Eze, Martin Zubimendi and Noni Madueke, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Cristhian Mosquera, Christian Norgaard and Piero Hincapie all joined.
Fabio Vieira, Sambi Lokonga, Reiss Nelson, Jakub Kiwior and Oleksandr Zinchenko have all since left the club. Leandro Trossard was another player linked with a move away amid stalled contract extension talks, but he managed to agree improved terms on the deal he signed back in 2023 when he joined from Brighton for £27million.
Kai Havertz's injury appears to have influenced this decision, with Arteta keen to avoid being short of options up front. Bukayo Saka is also currently sidelined with a muscle problem, leading to Noni Madueke being used on the right against Liverpool and Gabriel Martinelli starting on the opposite wing.
The 24-year-old failed to impress at Anfield, leading Arteta to bring on Eze after 70 minutes. Despite being signed for a mere £6million from Brazilian side Ituano, Martinelli appears to have regressed, which is worrying for Arteta.
Eze can operate on the flanks, but his long-term future at the Emirates Stadium should definitely be in central areas, creating a bit of a quandary on the left. Like Eze, Madueke can play there but is much more effective on the opposite side.
This is arguably the one position that requires an elite-level upgrade sooner rather than later. However, funds may be limited to make this happen, with Arsenal likely to spend significantly less next summer.
Fortunately, a high-profile signing is feasible without committing to massive transfer fees and it can be arranged in January. This is because pre-contract agreements for players whose contracts expire in 2026 and who are outside of the Premier League can be reached by Arsenal.
Frenkie de Jong, Dayot Upamecano and Dusan Vlahovic are some of the top names in Europe whose contracts are set to expire, but upon scrolling down Transfermarkt's 'contracts ending in 2026' page, a name very familiar to Arsenal fans appears.
Serge Gnabry left north London back in 2016 but could make a sensational return 10 years later after a lengthy stint in Germany. The Bayern Munich winger has less than 12 months remaining on his contract, making a free agent departure next summer a possibility.
Despite being 31 by the time the 2026/27 season commences, he still has a lot to offer. This is demonstrated by his four goal contributions in just as many games at the start of this season.
Before this, he netted seven goals and provided nine assists, clearly highlighting his skill. Arsenal are in dire need of a composed wide forward, and Gnabry could be the answer.