Reigning Premier League champions Arsenal have work to do in the summer transfer window after sales and a new injury blow
Mikel Arteta in May 2026
Mikel Arteta may well need to add to his squad this summer(Image: Getty Images)
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After finally getting over the line and winning a first Premier League title under Mikel Arteta, it's now time for the hard part for Arsenal. Winning the title is one thing but defending it is another entirely and smart transfer business is required.
The Gunners have already added to their ranks with the signing of backup goalkeeper Illan Meslier, while Piero Hincapie's loan move from Bayer Leverkusen was made permanent. The £34.5m fee for the Ecuador international has already been more or less recouped by the sales of Karl Hein, Jakub Kiwior and Leandro Trossard.
Of those three, Trossard is the only one who featured for the Gunners' first team last season. However, the Belgian will need replacing after delivering at important moments for Arteta's team.
That isn't the only area where the London side are in need of reinforcements, though. Here are our latest lines from around the Emirates Stadium.
Saliba injury paints move in new light
Only a few days have passed since Arsenal were linked with a move to bring Dinos Mavropanos back to North London. With the news that William Saliba could face a lengthy spell on the sidelines, the need for a new senior centre-back has grown more acute.
Mavropanos, who was named West Ham's player of the year last season, could be available for around £25million following the Hammers' relegation. Arsenal aren't the only interested party, though, with Borussia Dortmund and Leeds United also mentioned as potential suitors.
According to L'Equipe, Saliba could miss up to five months due to necessary back surgery. The defender has reportedly been taking painkillers to manage back problems and was forced off in the first half of his country's World Cup semi-final defeat to Spain.
William Saliba down injured during France vs Spain
Arsenal are waiting to discover how long they will be without William Saliba(Image: Marcel van Dorst/DeFodi Images/Shutterstock)
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PSG prospect staying in Ligue 1
Arsenal's hopes of signing Emmanuel Mbemba from Paris Saint-Germain are over. The teenager, who captained PSG's under-18s team, has instead completed a move across the French capital to Paris FC despite interest from the Gunners and AS Monaco.
Mbemba, 18, can play at left-back or in central defence. He turned out for PSG in the last two seasons of the UEFA Youth League and was an unused sub when Les Parisiens lost to an Arsenal side including Max Dowman in 2024.
"We are delighted that he has chosen our project. Emmanuel is a modern and talented left-footed defender. He already has numerous caps for the French youth national teams," Paris FC sporting director Marco Neppe said.
"His versatility, playing style, passion, and determination impressed us. We will do everything we can to support him and allow him to develop with the first team. We wish him every success in his new colours."
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