Arsenal reportedly had 21 stars on their summer transfer shortlist and manager Mikel Arteta could still sign several of those targets in the near future
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta could return to several of the club's transfer targets next year(Image: Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)
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Arsenal can revive their interest in eight transfer targets next year when Mikel Arteta looks to strengthen his squad. The Gunners ended the summer window but missed out on signing a marquee forward to take their squad to the next level.
As reigning Premier League champions, Arteta will be eager to build on his side’s recent success, having also finished as Champions League runners-up. The arrivals of Ezri Konsa, Bruno Guimaraes and Christos Tzolis strengthen Arsenal in three key areas as the club aim to become the dominant force in English football.
However, as Arsenal’s pursuits of Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior and Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez prove, there remains room for growth. BBC Sport has reported that the Gunners had 21 players on a shortlist of targets at the start of the summer.
Several players on the list signed new contracts or moved elsewhere, including Chelsea’s Morgan Rogers and new Liverpool star Bradley Barcola, while injured Aston Villa midfielder Amadou Onana is also reportedly set to extend his deal. However, the Gunners still have eight targets they could potentially return to, either in January or next summer.
Kenan Yildiz
The 21-year-old Juventus winger was linked with a move to the Gunners throughout the summer and could solve Arsenal’s lack of recognised options on the left flank, following the sales of Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli. The Turkish international scored 11 and assisted 10 in 47 games for Juve last term.
Nico Paz
The young attacking midfielder has thrived under Como manager Cesc Fabregas since arriving from Real Madrid in 2024. Entering his third season with the Italian club, the 21-year-old has clocked up 37 goal contributions in 78 appearances and will be in the final year of his contract next summer.
Eli Junior Kroupi
The Bournemouth forward captured attention by scoring 13 league goals for the Cherries last season. Arsenal were one of several clubs interested in Kroupi, who is currently working his way back to fitness, and he could be a long-term addition to the Gunners’ frontline.
Bournemouth striker Eli Junior Kroupi
Arsenal could choose to target Bournemouth striker Eli Junior Kroupi in upcoming transfer windows(Image: Malcolm Couzens/Getty Image)
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Louis Page
The Manchester Evening News reports that Manchester United remain in talks over the Leicester City starlet, despite failing to finalise a move this summer. A change of approach from Arsenal could reap rewards when the transfer window reopens, as BBC Sport claimed that a lack of club-to-club talks about the 18-year-old midfielder saw Arteta’s side lose ground.
Ivan Fresneda
Arsenal were linked with a move for Sporting CP right-back Ivan Fresneda, with the 21-year-old becoming a regular for the Portuguese giants in recent years. The Gunners are well-stocked in his position, with Ben White and Jurrien Timber already on their books, but the Spanish full-back could be viewed as one for the future.
Julian Alvarez
The 26-year-old expressed his desire to leave Atletico Madrid for Barcelona but the summer-long saga ended with the forward staying put. Although Arsenal were not Alvarez’s top choice, his stance could change while he remains part of Diego Simeone’s side.
Julian Alvarez of Atletico Madrid
Julian Alvarez remained at Atletico Madrid this summer(Image: Cesar Ortiz Gonzalez/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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Alex Scott
BBC Sport reported that the Bournemouth star was one of several options under consideration ahead of Arsenal signing Guimaraes from Newcastle United. Arteta has a formidable array of midfielders at his disposal but may still be tempted to make a future move for Scott, who turned down a new contract and was targeted by Chelsea this summer.
Jacobo Ramon
While Konsa arrived as a ready-made solution at centre-back, Como defender Ramon is a younger prospect. The 21-year-old impressed during his first season at Como, following Paz’s path from Real Madrid, and continues to be a regular for Fabregas’ side this season.
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