Preparations for the new season are well underway as eyes turn to the 2025/26 campaign.
For Arsenal, they will be looking to close the gap on that top position in the league after a third straight second place finish. This season it was behind Liverpool with the Gunners 10 points adrift.
One way the gap can be closed is by clever activity in the transfer market. The window is now open for a short period of time, allowing teams to complete business.
It will close again next week, on June 10, before re-opening six days later. Clubs will then have until 7pm on September 1 to complete their business.
It’s bound to be a busy time for Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and new sporting director Andrea Berta, who joined the club in March. As they look to shape the squad, here’s a look at what could be on their to-do list over the next few weeks.
Sign a striker
This is the number one thing for Berta and Arteta this summer, having been unable to get a deal for a striker over the line in January. Arsenal were then left without a recognised centre-forward for the final few months of the campaign.
Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko are the two forwards most heavily linked with a move this summer. If Arsenal can complete a deal for one (or even both) it will be a big tick on the list.
Sign a winger
Another priority position for Arsenal is out wide, to help provide chances for the striker, whoever he may be. The Gunners have been linked with Real Madrid’s Rodrygo and Athletic Club’s Nico Williams among others.
Some uncertainty over the future of Leandro Trossard would leave Arsenal with just Gabriel Martinelli as a left-wing option should he be sold and a replacement not brought in this summer.
Get Zubimendi deal over the line
Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi has been linked since the start of the year. He has a £51million release clause in his contract with Arsenal reportedly agreeing to pay it.
However, a deal is yet to be completed with the player still needing to undergo a medical with the club.
Getting the deal over the line will be another task crossed off the to-do list.
Thomas Partey contract
Arsenal confirmed this week that they are in talks with midfielder Thomas Partey over a new contract with his current deal due to expire at the end of this month.
Arteta has already made it clear that he would like Partey to stay beyond his current deal. The club and player now have to reach an agreement.
New contract for stars
Speaking of contracts, it would be a boost to Arsenal if they could tie some of their stars to longer deals. Having sealed the future of Gabriel Magalhaes, attention could now turn to Bukayo Saka, William Saliba and Gabriel Martinelli who are all entering the final two years of their deals.
There is also said to be a keenness to tie down youngsters Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri to new deals after they impressed in the Premier League this season.
Move players on - and generate funds
A key part of the transfer strategy, especially if Arsenal plan to spend big in the window is moving players on, and generating funds from the sales.
Two players who could move due to a lack of first team action this season are Aleksandr Zinchenko and Jakub Kiwior. Both could be let go on permanent deals with the ash raised going towards potential incomings.
Join the football.london Arsenal WhatsApp channel
Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus with the Arsenal Therapy Dog Win during the Arsenal Men's team group shoot at London Colney on September 18, 2023
Join our Arsenal WhatsApp channel and get all the latest breaking news, opinion, podcasts and in-depth stories from football.london's dedicated Arsenal writers straight to your phone!
By following this free service you will be the first to know the news from the Emirates Stadium as it happens, when it happens.
To join our dedicated Arsenal channel, all you have to do is click this link and you can join thousands of others following our Gunners coverage!
If you're curious, you can check out our privacy policy here.