LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 09: Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal, looks on during the pre-season friendly match between Arsenal FC and Borussia Dortmund at Emirates Stadium on August 09, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Mikel Arteta wants more signings before deadline day(Image: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
View 5 Images
Three down, three weeks to go. That's the story of Arsenal's summer transfer window after welcoming their third new signing in the form of Bruno Guimaraes over the weekend.
The Gunners' newest recruit, taking their summer spending to a cool £109million, was unveiled at the Emirates on Saturday before Mikel Arteta watched his side succumb to a second successive defeat in pre-season. Arsenal were beaten 3-2 by Borussia Dortmund, who exploited the home side's rustiness and exposed their weaknesses.
Without their spine of David Raya, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes and Declan Rice, Arsenal have looked vulnerable. Post-match, Arteta confirmed that the club are actively working on new signings.
But who could they be? And in what areas does Arteta need to prioritise?
Arsenal next transfer priority is clear after Vinicius Jr blow and Borussia Dortmund defeat
Ezri Konsa
It wouldn't be a transfer window without Arsenal signing a defender who can play at centre-back and full-back. And there aren't many better when it comes to that profile than Ezri Konsa.
The England international has already been the subject of a bid from Arsenal, who reportedly offered just over half of his £60m valuation. Aston Villa rejected it but it's been claimed that their dressing room are 'resigned' to Konsa leaving.
Arteta was asked directly if Arsenal wanted to sign a defender after Saliba broke down with a back injury during the World Cup. "We conceded some poor goals today in the way we competed, especially," the Gunners boss replied.
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - JULY 18: Ezri Konsa #2 of England celebrates with teammate Declan Rice #4 after scoring his team's second goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Bronze Final between France and England at Miami Stadium on July 18, 2026 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)
Ezri Konsa could join his England team-mates at Arsenal(Image: Buda Mendes/Getty Images)
View 5 Images
"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, we want that."
Bradley Barcola
After missing out on Vinicius Junior and Morgan Rogers, could be third time lucky for Arsenal in their search for a big-money wide forward? Paris Saint-Germain winger Barcola fits the bill and is a top target for Liverpool.
Arsenal, however, are said to be considering a move themselves. PSG value the 23-year-old at an eye-watering £145m, although the impending arrival of Ferran Torres from Barcelona could pressure them into a sale at a lower price.
PARIS, FRANCE - MAY 10: Bradley Barcola #29 of Paris Saint-Germain in action during the Ligue 1 McDonald's match between Paris Saint-Germain and Stade Brestois 29 at Parc des Princes on May 10, 2026 in Paris, France. (Photo by Xavier Laine/Getty Images)
Paris Saint-Germain are demanding £145million for Bradley Barcola(Image: Xavier Laine/Getty Images)
View 5 Images
Kenan Yildiz
Sticking in the wide forward areas, Kenan Yildiz's name continues to be linked with Arsenal. The Juventus forward is versatile, a trait which Arteta loves, and is rumoured to be his dream target.
Yildiz, 21, is said to be valued at a cool €100m (£85m) making him a cheaper alternative to Barcola. The German-born Turkey international enjoyed his most productive season to date last term, scoring 14 goals and providing 10 assists, and is the kind of player than can give Arsenal the dynamism fans have craved in attack.
PERTH, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 08: Kenan Yildiz of Juventus in possession during the match between Juventus and FC Internazionale at Optus Stadium on August 08, 2026 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Janelle St Pierre/Getty Images)
Kenan Yildiz is reportedly Mikel Arteta's dream target(Image: Janelle St Pierre/Getty Images)
View 5 Images
Julian Alvarez
It's been nearly two months since Julian Alvarez revealed that he wanted to leave Atletico Madrid this summer, but he remains at the Wanda Metropolitano. Arsenal have a long-standing interest in the former Man City striker, who Atletico have already rejected bids for this summer.
Barcelona and Real Madrid both tried their luck earlier this summer, but his employers insist that the only way Alvarez can be sold is if a club pays his €500m (£428m) release clause. However, if Atletico were to sell, they'd prefer to offload him abroad.
MADRID, SPAIN - APRIL 29: Julian Alvarez of Atletico de Madrid during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Semi Final First Leg match between Atletico de Madrid and Arsenal FC at Metropolitano Stadium on April 29, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by LOF/BSR Agency/Getty Images)
Arsenal would need to pay top dollar for Julian Alvarez(Image: LOF/BSR Agency/Getty Images)
View 5 Images
That gives Arsenal an advantage and although this remains a long shot, the Gunners could try their luck. A swap deal involving Viktor Gyokeres has even been mooted.
Content Image
Content Image