Arsenal are still celebrating their historic Premier League title but they must soon start focusing on defending it.
05:00, 12 Jul 2026
Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal, reacts on the open top bus during the Arsenal Trophy Parade on May 31, 2026 in Islington, England. Arsenal clinched their first Premier League title in 22 years
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Mikel Arteta has his sights set on defending Arsenal's Premier League title(Image: Getty)
Arsenal will begin the forthcoming Premier League campaign as champions. But Mikel Arteta will be keen to bolster his squad as he attempts to defend their domestic title.
The Gunners broke a league championship drought spanning more than two decades last term when they overcame all competition to claim the trophy. This was complemented by an excellent Champions League run that took them to the final.
Having finally ended their wait, Arsenal will now turn their attention towards assembling a side capable of replicating such success. They've already made Piero Hincapié's move from Bayer Leverkusen permanent and enhanced their goalkeeping options by securing ex-Leeds United star Illan Meslier on a free transfer.
However, they have also purportedly emerged victorious in the pursuit of a much sought-after centre-back as football.london examines the latest transfer developments at the Emirates.
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Defender transfer battle 'won'
According to the Daily Mail, Arsenal are poised to secure Elijah Upson from North London rivals Tottenham. The 18-year-old is the son of former Premier League and England international Matthew Upson.
Louis Zecevic John of Arsenal takes on Elijah Upson of Tottenham during the U18 PL match between Arsenal U18 and Tottenham Hotspur U18 at Sobha Realty Training Centre
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Upson (R) looks set to join Arsenal(Image: Getty)
The report indicates that Upson had received approaches from Chelsea, Bayern Munich, Manchester City, Borussia Dortmund and Monaco. Yet the Gunners seem to have won his signature.
Upson featured 31 times for Tottenham in the Under-18 Premier League and is an adaptable, progressive central defender. He can also function as a wing-back or right-back.
Vinicius Junior meeting
In other developments, a significant update has emerged regarding the future of Real Madrid's star winger Vinicius Junior. While there have been tentative links to Arsenal, it now seems the Brazilian will be remaining in the Spanish capital.
Vinicius Junior #7 of Brazil applauds fans after the team's 1-2 defeat in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between Brazil and Norway at New York New Jersey Stadium
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Vinicius suffered World Cup disappointment with Brazil(Image: Getty)
Following Brazil's World Cup elimination at the hands of Norway in the round of 16, Vinicius is set to sit down with Real Madrid's hierarchy at the end of July. According to Spanish publication AS, a deadline has been established to finalise fresh terms.
The report suggests that discussions between the club and Vinicius took place shortly after Brazil's tournament exit, with both parties agreeing to convene. An extension is anticipated, given his existing contract runs until June 2027.
Real Madrid's top brass are understood to no longer view his situation as a pressing matter. There had been suggestions that Vinicius was unsettled at the Bernabeu, prompting speculation that Arsenal, who are in the market for a winger this summer, could make a sensational swoop.
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