Arsenal have been rewarded for their astute signings and fine form with a Premier League title but things could have gone very differently
04:00, 29 May 2026
Mikel Arteta during Crystal Palace vs Arsenal
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Things could have been very different for Mikel Arteta and Arsenal(Image: Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
A momentous Arsenal season comes to an end with the club celebrating a first Premier League title in 22 years and chasing European glory. However, things could have been very different.
After three straight runner-up finishes, Mikel Arteta and new transfer chief Andrea Berta made a big statement in the summer window. The. Gunners spent roughly £250million on new recruits, with Martin Zubimendi, Viktor Gyokeres and Ebere Eze all arriving for fees north of £50m.
When a 2-1 defeat to Manchester Cityo n April 19 left the challengers three points behind with a game in hand, it looked as though Arsenal might be the nearly men once more. Instead, though, they won their final five matches to end the season seven points clear of City at the top.
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Had the London side taken a different path in the transfer market, though, things might have been very different. Here, we've taken a look at the alternative reality where different targets end up at the Emirates Stadium.
Isak deal agreed
Arsenal moved for one long-time Premier League target but another was also on the market over the summer. The Gunners had been linked with Alexander Isak on plenty of occasions and have a number of his former Real Sociedad team-mates on their books..
Instead, the Sweden striker moved from Newcastle to Liverpool for a Premier League record fee after a protracted transfer saga. By the time he arrived at Anfield, compatriot Gyokeres had already scored his first Premier League goals in North London.
Alexander Isak down injured during Spurs vs Liverpool
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Alexander Isak has struggled with injuries since joining Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)
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Gyokeres blew hot and cold in his first season but still outscored Isak 14 to three in the league after the latter struggled with injury. Not only that but the money saved allowed Arsenal to make a last-gasp move for Eze.
Madrid raided for Rodrygo
Another long-time target, Rodrygo, appeared surplus to requirements at Real Madrid after Xabi Alonso's arrival as manager. Perhaps put off by a £77m asking price, though, Arsenal instead moved for Noni Madueke.
As with Gyokeres, Madueke had a season of big moments without necessarily being a difference-maker in the most important games. That's more than Rodrygo, though.
The Brazilian played barely 1,000 minutes in all competitions before suffering a cruciate ligament injury which will keep him out of the World Cup. As a side note, things didn't end much better for Alonso, who is now at Chelsea.
Rodrygo in action for Real Madrid
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Rodrygo's season came to an early end(Image: Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Injuries have derailed Arsenal's title challenges in recent seasons, with Kai Havertz's absence during the second half of last season just one example. Furthermore, a move for Rodrygo might have convinced Leandro Trossard he was no longer needed, robbing Arsenal of that crucial winner at West Ham in early May.
Arteta feels the heat
“In my opinion, if Arsenal don’t win a trophy this year, the management will consider finding another coach,” former Arsenal star Robert Pires told Foot Mercato in September. “He’s been here for five years and unfortunately, the title has eluded him. What’s important for the fans is the league title.
“Money was spent in the summer transfer window. He made certain demands, which the Arsenal board has met. If Arsenal don’t win the league, I think there will definitely be a change on the bench.”
By the turn of the year, Arteta looked in good shape to deliver at least one trophy. A pair of domestic cup setbacks left some doubt but that was extinguished when City's draw at Bournemouth ensured the title would head back to the capital.
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Would this have been possible without Arteta's summer signings, though? Had the Gunners got things wrong in the market, there's every chance the heat would have been turned right up on their manager.