The transfer window opened over a month ago, and Arsenal are yet to really get going, although Andrea Berta and Mikel Arteta are still capable of pulling off an outstanding summer of business.
The Gunners were finally crowned Premier League champions last season after several years of trying and failing, and now the club's hierarchy sense they have an opportunity to dominate English football over the coming years. Their rivals are in transition across the board, meaning the North Londoners must make the most of this window to secure multiple major trophies.
So far this summer, their activity in the market doesn't reflect a club that believes they need to maximise this window. Piero Hincapie's move from Bayer Leverkusen has been made permanent, while goalkeeper Illan Meslier has arrived on a free transfer from Leeds.
Meanwhile, Leandro Trossard has joined Besiktas in a £17million deal, opening up a space for the Gunners to fill on the left wing.
Several more additions are needed for Arsenal to feel prepared for what could be a tumultuous 2026/27 season, given the hectic fixture schedule and looming injury issues for key players at the Emirates Stadium.
With that said, GIVEMESPORT have painted the picture of what the perfect summer 2026 transfer window would look like for Arsenal.
Arsenal's perfect summer transfer window - Outgoings
Arsenal's Gabriel Martinelli celebrates scoring against Bayern Munich.Action Images via Reuters/Peter Cziborra
Gabriel Martinelli - £50m
Gabriel Martinelli is expected to leave Arsenal this summer. The Brazilian has a year left on his contract, has struggled to develop into the key player his wages suggest he should be and is reportedly attracting interest from Bayern Munich.
If the German giants or a club with similar pedigree expresses serious interest in Martinelli, then the Gunners ought to cash in. Extracting £50 million from this potential deal shouldn't be unreasonable.
Leandro Trossard - £17m
Trossard's move to Besiktas has already been confirmed. The Gunners have only made a £10 million loss on the £27 million they spent on the Belgian back in January 2026 — an impressive feat from Andrea Berta given the technician is now 31.
This age profile, combined with his contract expiring in 12 months' time, made it imperative that Arsenal sold the former Brighton man this summer. He and Martinelli's departures will provide Berta the perfect opportunity to rebuild the left-hand side of the Gunners' attack.
Gabriel Jesus - £12m
Gabriel Jesus found himself behind both Viktor Gyokeres and Kai Havertz in Arteta's pecking order at the end of last season. For this reason, he must find a new place to ply his trade this summer, with clubs in Italy and Brazil said to be interested.
Like Martinelli and Trossard, the Brazilian striker's contract at the Emirates expires next summer, which gives Arsenal significantly less leverage in negotiations. Jesus is also on astronomical wages, which will make it exceedingly difficult for Berta to demand a substantial fee. Anything in excess of £10 million will feel like a win for the Gunners.
Fabio Vieira - £8m
Forgotten man Fabio Vieira is back from his loan at Hamburg and is once again in a desperate search for a new club. The German side decided against activating the buy option included in the temporary deal, worth around £17 million.
The Bundesliga outfit are now said to be negotiating a deal below £10 million, while Premier League clubs have also been linked with the playmaker. Given how obvious it is that he's surplus to requirements in N5, it's difficult to envisage a world where he goes for a significant fee.
Arsenal's Christian Norgaard walks to training.
Arsenal's Christian Norgaard before a training session at the Sobha Realty Training Centre, London Colney. Picture date: Tuesday December 9, 2025. (Photo by John Walton/PA Images/Alamy Images/Sipa USA)
Christian Norgaard - £5m
Despite only arriving in North London a year ago, it appears likely that Christian Norgaard will be on the way out this summer. The Dane is said to be keen on remaining in the English capital, but this may not be with the Gunners.
Brentford's former captain spent last season on the periphery of Arteta's squad, and will surely be keen on playing a more prominent role elsewhere.
Reiss Nelson - £3m
Reiss Nelson returns from his loan at Brentford in a difficult position. He failed to start a single game in the league for the Bees, and is still yet to play over 1,000 league minutes in a single season in his career.
Given he's only shown his talent in glimpses, and given his injury record, Arsenal would do well to get any money for the Hale End graduate this summer.
Fees correct prior to summer 2026
All 10 found — excellent!
Ethan Nwaneri - Loan
Arsenal might have to sell Ethan Nwaneri to generate funds for new signings this summer. The 18-year-old is one of Arteta's most valuable commodities, and there isn't a clear role for him in the Spaniard's squad, with Eberechi Eze, Martin Odegaard and arguably Max Dowman all ahead of him in the pecking order.
That said, in a perfect Gunners transfer window, they're able to loan Nwaneri out for another season, allowing him to continue his development before selling him for more money next summer or integrating him into their squad in 12 months' time.
Arsenal's perfect summer transfer window - Signings
Lionel Messi and Julian Alvarez in action for ArgentinaRodrigo Valle via Reuters
Julian Alvarez - £100m
Arsenal reportedly view Julian Alvarez as a dream target and are doing everything in their power to sign the player. While Alvarez's personal dream is to join Barcelona, the Argentine is said to be open to a switch to the Emirates.
Atletico Madrid may even be willing to lower their asking price for the striker to around the £100million mark, just so that they can avoid selling him to rivals Barcelona or Real Madrid.
Bradley Barcola - £128m
Arsenal need an out-and-out winger this summer, rather than an attacking midfielder who could potentially be used out wide in Morgan Rogers. The Gunners are reportedly deliberating between Rogers and Bradley Barcola, but they should ultimately opt for the latter.
If Yan Diomande completes a move to Paris Saint-Germain, that could leave Barcola surplus to requirements at the Parc des Prince, and Arsenal should pounce on this opportunity to sign one of the most frightening wingers in Europe. However, PSG potentially looking for £128million could be a problem.
Bruno Guimaraes - £80m
Arsenal's interest in Bruno Guimaraes is well documented. The Brazilian would provide Declan Rice with a world-class midfield partner, but also allow the Gunners to carefully manage the fragile England international's minutes next term.
While the North Londoners are reportedly reluctant to go too high with their offer for Guimaraes, they may ultimately be forced to bow to Newcastle United's £80million demands.
Christos Tzolis - £34m
Christos Tzolis has been confirmed as Arsenal's second signing of the summer, identified by Berta and Arteta as the replacement for Trossard. The Greek winger scored 22 goals and provided 29 assists across all competitions for Club Brugge last season, and was signed for £34million, making him an economically appealing and potentially exciting option as the Belgian's successor.
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