As the 2024/25 season comes to a close in English football, Arsenal fans will be reflecting on how the campaign has gone. Although a second-place finish in the EPL to qualify for the UEFA Champions League next year, and a run to the semi-final in the same competition, is more than respectable, fans will be frustrated about another season without any silverware.
This is reportedly a sentiment that manager Mikel Arteta shares, and rumours are swirling that the side will make some big moves in the summer 2025 transfer window. But why does the club need to splash the cash to bring new players in, and who are their major targets?
Why are Arsenal looking to bring new players in this summer?
The most obvious answer is that manager Arteta feels the squad needs freshening up and needs a better calibre of player to clinch that elusive silverware. The side have come close in the last few seasons but just seem to fall short of having enough quality to win trophies. It’s also thought he isn’t happy with the depth of the squad and how many options he has to call on over a season.
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The semi-final loss in the Champions League against PSG recently is a good example and saw the team compete well enough across both legs, but they didn’t have that killer instinct to claim the victory. Signing a raft of new players in 2025 would be a real sign of intent and would certainly see the odds given by bookies for Arsenal to win something like the UCL fall. If you plan to bet on Champions League games in the new season, any transfer activity in the coming months could have a real impact on odds.
The other main reason a bunch of new players might be coming to North London is that quite a few current players are leaving or out of contract. Players like Jorginho and Raheem Sterling will not be here in the new season, and quality replacements are needed for them.
But just who are the club said to be making moves for this summer?
Martin Zubamendi
Arsenal’s move for Martin Zubamendi still looks set to be on the cards and will surprise no one in football. Arteta has been a long-time fan of the midfielder from Real Sociedad and seems likely to finally get his man. The Spanish central midfielder would slot straight into the starting eleven and provide high-level skill in the middle of the park.
Zubamendi looks like a classic Arteta player and someone who will seamlessly fit into how the side like to play. The player himself shows great composure on the ball and is able to dictate the game’s tempo from deep-lying positions. He also shows good footballing intelligence and calm decision-making in games. Although Arsenal might need to activate his £50 million release clause to get the move sorted, it seems a price worth paying.
Alexander Isak
For most fans, one of Arsenal’s top transfer targets for summer 2025 must be a top-class striker. People like Kai Havertz have not really impressed enough in this role, and the club have lacked someone to consistently put the ball in the net over the last couple of years.
Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak is a name being talked about, and it’s no secret that Arsenal would love to see him in North London. He’s had an amazing season for the Magpies in 24/25 and has the lethal finishing that Arsenal are crying out for.
In addition to scoring goals, Isak has pace and great movement in his locker. Although he would cost a lot of money, and Newcastle may not even be willing to sell, it would be a superb signing if the Gunners can pull it off. If Arteta is serious about turning Arsenal into trophy winners, a proven goal scorer like Isak is a must.
Benjamin Sesko
If Isak proves out of reach for Arsenal this summer, Benjamin Sesko is also a player they’re being linked to. Fans will remember that the club were interested in signing him last summer, but he chose to stay with RB Leipzig instead.
A powerful forward with a fierce shot, he has enjoyed a fine Bundesliga season in 24/25 and scored 21 goals. Sesko would solve the club’s striker issues and bring more offensive firepower with him for sure. As a young player, he has masses of potential and could turn into one of the new stars of world football.
Nico Williams
There’s no doubt that a lot of focus will go on Arsenal’s search for a striker this summer, but this is not the only area they’re planning to strengthen. It’s believed that Arteta is unhappy with the options he has out wide, and the impact losing a player like Bukayo Saka has on the side.
With this in mind, there’s talk of a bid for Athletic Bilbao’s winger Nico Williams being prepared. This player would certainly bring more pace, energy, and trickery to the squad moving ahead. He would also provide injury cover for people like Saka and help the side remain competitive all season. Whilst he is rumoured to have a big release clause in his contract, this might be worth activating.
Rafael Leao
Another elite-level wide player Arsenal are said to be tracking this summer is AC Milan’s Rafael Leao. This talk has heated up lately, after Saudi Pro League interest in Gabriel Martinelli. Leao would be a perfect replacement if Martinelli does leave, and a valuable squad player if he doesn’t.
Leao would bring real directness to Arsenal’s attack and a willingness to take on his man in the final third. Blessed with pace and superb dribbling, he would deliver a new level of creativity to the sides’ offensive play. It might take a large bid to seal the deal, but this would be an exciting move for the Gunners.
Who might be joining Arsenal’s squad in summer 2025?
The summer transfer window is always exciting, and 2025’s edition looks set to be very interesting for Arsenal fans. It will hopefully see the club sign a batch of fresh, hungry talent who have the elite-level skills to bring silverware to the Emirates.
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