Arsenal's priority in the summer transfer window should be clear as they look to fix a major problem the Gunners have repeatedly suffered from in recent seasons
05:00, 28 May 2026
Mikel Arteta pointing
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Mikel Arteta has to look to strengthen Arsenal's front line this summer(Image: Getty Images)
The champagne from Sunday may still be fizzing - and there's still a Champions League final to prepare for - but Arsenal's focus is already shifting to the summer transfer window. After finally being crowned champions of England for the first time since 2004, the Gunners will be determined to ensure their stay at the summit is not a fleeting one.
As such, several high-profile additions are expected. With a back line widely regarded as their strongest asset and a midfield already packed with talent, Arsenal are set to prioritise attacking reinforcements this summer.
While marquee signing Viktor Gyokeres enjoyed a respectable debut campaign in North London, he has yet to deliver the ruthless, relentless edge that defines Europe's most dominant sides. Beyond him, the supporting cast have largely failed to contribute enough goals - with Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze the only other Arsenal players to hit double figures this season.
Arsenal finished the season with 71 league goals - the lowest tally for a Premier League champion since Leicester's 68 in 2015/16. As a result, increasing their goal threat has become a clear priority. Here, football.london examines what Arsenal's dream first signing of the summer could look like.
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According to reports, Arsenal are considering a £100million move for the Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez. It's understood that Alvarez has informed Atletico of his desire to leave and while his preferred destination is Barcelona, Hansi Flick's side are currently unable to meet their La Liga rivals' £100m valuation due to financial constraints.
This, therefore, has opened the door for Arsenal, who are keen to strengthen their attack with a versatile, high-intensity forward. Alvarez, who spent two seasons at Manchester City, is capable of operating as a No. 9, as well as across either wing and in the No.10 role.
Arsenal have been monitoring the Argentina international, 26, for several years, with sporting director Andrea Berta previously overseeing his move to Atletico back in 2024. Mikel Arteta is known to value multi-functional, high-energy forwards and Alvarez fits that profile - bridging the gap between a clinical finisher and a relentless pressing machine.
Julian Alvarez
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Atletico Madrid's Julian Alvarez has been linked with a move to Arsenal(Image: Isosport/MB Media, Getty Images)
He has scored 20 goals in 49 appearances this season, following a 29-goal debut campaign at the Metropolitano Stadium. A signing of his calibre would not only ease the goalscoring burden on Gyokeres but would also establish a more universal attacking threat to Arsenal's frontline.
The Gunners will, however, need to proceed with caution. A £100m outlay on Alvarez would represent a significant portion of their summer budget and with Arteta also keen to strengthen at left wing, Arsenal may ultimately be forced to prioritise one area of the attack over another.
The likes of Bradley Barcola and Nico Williams have been linked with summer moves to the Emirates Stadium but - like Alvarez - a move for either man would likely cost around £100m.
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With Financial Fair Play considerations still a factor and multiple areas of the squad under review, Arsenal's recruitment team will be working to strike a delicate balance between immediate impact and long-term squad depth.
At the same time, competition for elite attacking talent remains fierce across Europe, meaning hesitation could prove costly if other top clubs decide to enter the race later in the window. And with Alvarez already Premier League-proven, a move for him would be well worth the fee.
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