Arsenal transfer plans outlined as Mikel Arteta eyes more additions image
Arsenal want to make further moves in the transfer market following the arrival of Bruno Guimaraes, with Mikel Arteta confirming the club are still searching for players capable of taking his squad to another level.
Guimaraes completed his move from Newcastle United this week and was presented to supporters at the Emirates Stadium before Arsenal's 3-2 pre-season defeat to Borussia Dortmund on Sunday.
The Brazil midfielder represents another major addition for the Premier League champions, joining Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi in what is now one of the strongest midfield selections in Europe.
Speaking after the Dortmund game, Arteta made it clear the club will remain active if the right opportunity becomes available before the transfer window closes.
"Well, that's what we're trying to do," Arteta said when asked whether there could be further arrivals.
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"If we have the right player in the market to make us much better, we are very looking forward to that."
The Sporting News understands the Gunners are keen on bolstering their defence and have made initial enquiries for Aston Villa's Ezri Konsa, who is valued at around £60m ($80m).
Arsenal have conceded six goals across their past two pre-season matches, losing 3-1 against Real Betis before Dortmund scored three more at the Emirates.
Ethan Nwaneri and Viktor Gyokeres found the net in the second half against the Bundesliga side, but Arsenal were unable to overturn the deficit.
Arteta was unhappy with the manner in which some of the goals were conceded, although he stopped short of suggesting the performances had increased the urgency to sign another defender.
"We conceded some poor goals today in the way we competed especially, but that's a very collective responsibility.
"So we need to improve with the players that we have and we want to improve for sure."
Arsenal are already dealing with some uncertainty at the back ahead of the new campaign.
William Saliba remains in rehabilitation following the back injury he suffered at the World Cup, while Jurrien Timber was unavailable against Dortmund and is not expected to return immediately.
What did Arteta say about new signing Guimaraes?
Meanwhile, new signing Bruno Guimaraes made his £75million ($101m) move to Emirates Stadium last week.
The 28-year-old gives Arsenal another midfielder capable of playing in multiple roles, winning possession, progressing the ball and contributing in the final third.
Arteta has also been impressed by the mentality Guimaraes has shown since arriving at the club.
"I'm delighted to have him. We will see very clearly, especially the energy that he brought immediately to the training ground, the hunger, the desire to come here and create a big history at the club.
"And that's the ambition that we need. We want to go to the next level."
Which players are returning from injury for Arsenal?
There was also positive injury news for Arteta, with Bukayo Saka and David Raya returning ahead of schedule.
The returning internationals are expected to begin their training programmes on Monday, with Arteta hopeful that the majority of his squad will be available once the Premier League season begins on August 21.
Arteta's side have one final pre-season fixture against Como at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday before facing Manchester City in the Community Shield in Cardiff on Sunday.
Arsenal first five Premier League fixtures 2026/27
Date Opponent Home/away
Fri, Aug. 21 Coventry City Home
Mon, Aug. 31 Aston Villa Away
Sun, Sep. 6 Chelsea Home
Sat, Sep. 12 Sunderland Away
Sat, Sep. 19 Brighton Away