Arsenal’s summer shopping list: 3 players the Gunners simply cannot afford to miss
Arsenal need a left winger, a gritty central midfielder, and a clinical striker in the summer transfer window of 2026, and the three names that fit those gaps most precisely are Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali, and Julián Álvarez.
The Gunners have spent the 2025–26 season locked in a tense title race, now sitting second in the Premier League table with 70 points from 33 matches, level with Manchester City, who are first. Keeping that momentum going into next season will take more than just luck; it requires making the right moves for the right positions at exactly the right time.
1. Anthony Gordon
With both Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli entering the final year of their contracts, the left wing has become a massive priority this summer. Trossard has drifted to the fringes in big games lately, while Martinelli, despite his moments of brilliance, has struggled to consistently break down well-organised defences. The choice facing Mikel Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta is clear: who can you actually rely on out left when the stakes are highest?
Gordon has been on Arsenal’s radar for a while. FootballTransfers has exclusively reported that Arsenal are expected to bid for the England international, largely because Arteta is keen to add more domestic talent to his ranks. The 25-year-old Newcastle winger offers exactly what Arteta looks for: non-stop pressing, smart off-the-ball movement, and the ability to run directly at defenders. His work rate and Premier League experience make him a perfect fit for an attack that still feels a little thin. While Newcastle won’t want to sell, their struggles with PSR rules could force their hand, and Arsenal look ready to move in.
2. Sandro Tonali
Thomas Partey’s departure last summer left a void in Arsenal’s midfield that the club has essentially patched over rather than truly fixed. Martin Zubimendi arrived and brought some much-needed composure, but the Gunners still lack a physical presence who can boss a game, someone who hunts for the ball and carries it forward. Tonali provides those aggressive, ball-winning attributes. He isn’t just another sideways passer; he’s a midfielder who can physically dictate the tempo and change the flow of a match.
The Italian missed much of the first half of the season due to suspension, but found his rhythm with Newcastle in the second half of the year. Reports have identified him as a primary defensive midfield target for Arsenal. Snagging both Gordon and Tonali from St James’ Park would be a massive statement, and sources suggest Arsenal’s interest is part of a wider plan to weaken a rival while strengthening their own core. At 24, Tonali is entering his prime, and his previous Serie A form proved he belongs at the elite level.
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3. Julián Álvarez
Perhaps the biggest name linked with the club, Atlético Madrid striker Julián Álvarez, could be on the move if he decides to push for a change. The Argentine World Cup winner left Manchester City to get more starts in Madrid, but Atlético’s defensive setup has stifled his game, and his camp has reportedly signalled they are open to a move. Competition for Álvarez is fierce, with Barcelona also in the mix, but a return to England looks likely. Reports suggest the Gunners are already in talks with Atlético about a fee and may even be weighing up a swap deal involving Gabriel Jesus or Gabriel Martinelli.
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Álvarez plays with energy and has the intelligence that should suit Arteta’s high-press tactics perfectly. He’s happy to drop deep to link play but can also explode into the box to finish. Viktor Gyökeres has been excellent since joining, but Arteta needs someone who can produce in the Premier League and the Champions League simultaneously. Álvarez has that big game mentality and a point to prove in England. Arsenal’s summer revolves around landing a marquee forward, and while a €100 million price tag is steep, a team chasing their first title in over 20 years have to show that kind of ambition.