Arsenal had a busy transfer window but failed to sign a marquee forward
Mikel Arteta, Manager / Head Coach of Arsenal during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Arsenal FC and Coventry City at Emirates Stadium on August 21, 2026 in London, United Kingdom.
Mikel Arteta endured a disappointing end to the summer transfer window(Image: Marc Atkins, Getty Images)
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The summer transfer window may have closed, but Arsenal 's business remains a topic of considerable discussion.
The north London side ultimately failed in their main aim of adding a top-level forward to Mikel Arteta 's squad, despite pursuing a number of high-profile targets across the window. That is not to say the club stood idle, however.
Sporting director Andrea Berta oversaw the arrivals of five players at a combined outlay of around £200million - left-back Piero Hincapie, goalkeeper Illan Meslier, winger Christos Tzolis, midfielder Bruno Guimaraes and defender Ezri Konsa. On the whole, the Premier League champions' recruitment has been viewed positively, though the absence of a marquee striker has left some supporters frustrated.
Outgoings were also significant. Gabriel Jesus, Fabio Vieira, Reiss Nelson, Christian Norgaard and Leandro Trossard all left, with Gabriel Martinelli the latest to follow them through the exit door. Arteta now heads into the new campaign with a noticeably different squad. With that context in mind, here are two of the most recent transfer stories surrounding the Gunners.
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Late Alvarez bid details emerge
Julian Alvarez reportedly turned down a late offer by Manchester City to bring him back last week. While Arsenal were frustrated not to secure their primary forward target late in the window, they will at least be relieved he didn't end up joining Premier League rivals City.
Throughout the summer, the Argentine star made it clear he was determined to depart Atletico, with Barcelona firmly fixed as his only destination. Arsenal bided their time until the closing stages of the transfer window, waiting to see whether the 26-year-old might have a change of heart, having been left with just two options - remain at Atletico or join the Gunners - after his move to Barca was blocked.
MADRID, SPAIN - 2026/08/23: Julian Alvarez of Atletico Madrid looks on during the LaLiga EA Sports 2026/2027 week 2 football match between Atletico Madrid and Villarreal CF at Riyadh Air Metropolitano stadium. Final score; Atletico Madrid 2:2 Villarreal CF. (Photo by Federico Titone/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
Man City tried to hijack Arsenal's pursuit of Alvarez, it's been claimed(Image: SOPA Images, SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)
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Ultimately, Alvarez opted to stay put in Madrid, though not through any lack of effort from City, who reportedly tabled a Premier League record-breaking bid worth £128m in an attempt to re-sign him. According to Radio Marca, City approached the player's representatives to see whether he would join, but received no answer.
The Etihad outfit subsequently withdrew their interest and redirected the funds towards securing his compatriot Enzo Fernandez on deadline day, although they deny making any contact with Alvarez's team.
Martinelli aims dig at Arteta
Martinelli made no mention of Arteta in his Arsenal farewell post on Thursday. The Brazilian finally completed his £60m switch to Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Hilal this week.
Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal, greets Gabriel Martinelli following the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Arsenal at St James' Park on September 28, 2025 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.
Gabriel Martinelli did not mention Arteta in his farewell message(Image: Stuart MacFarlane, Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
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The 25-year-old had hoped to stay with the Gunners but, following the arrival of left winger Tzolis, was deemed expendable by Arteta. Martinelli was dropped from the squad, with Eberechi Eze being favoured as cover for the position, and was missing from the sides that defeated Manchester City in the Community Shield and Coventry in the Premier League at the start of the campaign.
Arsenal legend Ian Wright criticised the club's handling of Martinelli, suggesting the player had not been spoken to by Arteta, though subsequent reports have indicated otherwise. There were also claims that his Arsenal team-mates felt uncomfortable about the attempts to force him out.
Nonetheless, the forward has now been confirmed as an Al-Hilal player. And he made no attempt to acknowledge Arteta in his heartfelt Instagram message, despite expressing gratitude to team-mates, chefs, kit staff, doctors, doormen, security staff, media team, cleaning staff and physios.
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