The 2026/27 campaign will see Arsenal become something they haven’t been in well over two decades - the hunted, not the hunters in the Premier League.
Mikel Arteta will face the biggest challenge of his managerial career to date as he tries to defend the title and deal with the pressure placed on him by the supporters.
The Gunners faithful will no doubt demand added success next term after getting a taste for title glory, which could see the hierarchy hand the Spaniard added funds to spend in the market.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta looks on
Andrea Berta has already completed the signing of winger Christos Tzolis from Belgian side Club Brugge, and he could be joined by another big-money addition at the Emirates next term.
How Guimaraes can help Arsenal defend their title next season
Throughout the ongoing summer transfer window, Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimarães has no doubt been the player most linked with a move to join Arsenal.
The Gunners have already had two separate offers rejected by Eddie Howe’s side in recent weeks, but are now expected to return with a third offer in the region of £70m.
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The Brazilian has even stated his desire to complete a move to North London this window, but what would he add to Arteta’s midfield in the battle to retain their Premier League title?
Despite being a deep-lying option for the Magpies, Guimaraes ended the previous top-flight campaign on 14 combined goals and assists - with only Viktor Gyökeres bettering such a tally at the Emirates.
Bruno Guimaraes - PL stats (2025/26)
Statistics (per 90)
Games played
Goals & assists
Pass accuracy
Tackles made
Ball recoveries
Duels won
Clearances made
Chances created
As a result, Arteta’s men would be landing a player who’s more than capable of adding goals to the senior ranks - something which is needed if the side are to finish top of the tree again next campaign.
However, without the ball, the 28-year-old also produced some remarkable figures - including 6.2 ground duels won per 90, which could see the Gunners further improve their defensive solidity.
His all-round quality, coupled with his extensive Premier League experience, could make him a superb addition this window - but a move still needs to be agreed with the Magpies in the near future.
How Arsenal can pull off a bigger coup than Guimaraes
Despite Guimaraes seemingly being Arsenal’s number one transfer target this summer, Berta appears to be working to land other targets in key areas this summer.
The arrival of Tzolis has seen a replacement arrive after Leandro Trossard’s move to Besiktas, but other options are still being considered within the final third.
Club-Brugge-Tzolis
Bradley Barcola has previously appeared on the club’s transfer shortlist, whilst a move for RB Leipzig star Yan Diomande could be on the cards in the weeks ahead.
It’s been reported by BILD, via Sport Witness, that Arteta’s men have signalled that they are willing to make an £86m offer to the Bundesliga side for the services of the 19-year-old.
The report also states that PSG remain the firm favourites to land the Ivorian international this summer, but their lack of urgency in recent weeks could open up a move to the Premier League.
The teenager has become one of Europe’s hottest prospects over the last few months, which has seen the majority of the continent’s elite clubs touted with a move for his signature.
However, Arsenal are the latest to enter the race and try their luck to land the winger, who produced some remarkable stats last term - which could make him a bigger coup than Guimaraes.
Diomande, who’s been labelled “generational” by analyst Bence Bocsak, completed a staggering 4.3 successful dribbles per 90 - the most of any player in Germany’s top-flight.
Such numbers highlight his ability to glide past the opposition with ease - an asset Arsenal fans have craved in a new winger throughout the ongoing window.
Despite his tender age, the Ivorian has also managed to put the finishing touches to his relentless runs - subsequently ending last season with 12 goals and eight assists in the Bundesliga.
yan-diomande-ivory-coast
No player within Arteta’s squad could better such a tally, with Diomande able to become the Gunners new attacking talisman upon any move to the Emirates this summer.
Despite 2025/26 being his first full season in one of Europe’s top five leagues, Diomande created a staggering 2.1 chances per 90 - ranking him in the top 15% of all attackers in Europe.
The aforementioned tally reaffirms his ability to cause carnage within attacking areas of the pitch - which could see Gyokeres be the beneficiary of his endless chance creation next term.
Yan Diomande for RB Leipzig
£86m would be one of Arsenal’s most expensive ever additions, but it would see the hierarchy land a player who can star at the Emirates for many years to come.
His talent is there for all to see, with the youngster able to make a bigger mark on the club’s fortunes in the Premier League than Guimaraes - not to mention filling a problem position for Arteta.
PSG’s advanced interest will create concern that a deal may not be agreed this summer, but it’s now down to the hierarchy to pull out all the stops and complete a move for the attacking prodigy.
Martin-Zubimendi-Arsenal Related
Bad news for Zubimendi: £40m midfielder now looks very keen to join Arsenal
Arsenal have added another big-money talent to their transfer shortlist in recent days.