Arsenal will get their 2025/26 Premier League campaign underway on Sunday afternoon when they travel to face Manchester United at Old Trafford.
The clash will see the battle of the big spenders in the summer transfer window, with both clubs splashing over £200m on new additions during the off-season.
Mikel Arteta’s side have added the likes of Viktor Gyokeres and Martin Zubimendi to the squad, addressing issues within key areas of the side early into the summer.
Gyokeres-Arsenal
However, with just a couple of weeks left of the window, further additions could still be expected at the Emirates to further bolster the club’s ambitions of ending the year at the top of the table.
Other positions are still set to be subject to investment, handing Arteta the tools to go one better and finally end their two-decade wait for a top-division triumph.
The latest on Arsenal’s hunt for new additions this summer
After a long-standing pursuit, Arsenal have once again stepped up their attempts to complete a deal for Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze this window.
It’s been reported that the Gunners are in talks to land the 27-year-old, who managed a total of 25 goal contributions across all competitions for the Eagles in 2024/25 - helping them win the FA Cup.
Crystal Palace's Eberechi Eze poses with the player of the match trophy
However, he’s not the only forward-minded player currently in their sights, with Real Madrid talent Rodrygo another player they are considering, according to TBR Football.
They claim that Arteta’s side have already held talks with the player’s representatives over a move to the Emirates after being told he’s free to leave Xabi Alonso’s men.
It also states Manchester City are interested in a move for the 24-year-old, with the Brazilian keen on a switch to the Premier League ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
Any deal could cost in the region of £78m.
Why Arsenal’s latest target would be an upgrade on Eze
Given Eze’s success at Selhurst Park under Oliver Glasner last season, it’s no surprise to see the player touted with a move to join one of England’s leading sides.
Crystal Palace's Eberechi Eze
The 27-year-old played a pivotal role in their FA Cup triumph, but their recent demotion to the Europa Conference League could see the player want to take the leap and further his career.
His tally of 25 goals and assists is no mean feat, evidently able to produce the spectacular on a consistent basis - as seen by his strike against the Gunners throughout the recent campaign.
However, a move may not be as straightforward as it seems, with North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur also entering talks to land the Englishman ahead of the September 1st deadline.
However, missing out on Eze may not be a huge issue, especially if they land the signature of Rodrygo, who could prove to be worth his current £87m asking price.
rodrygo-real-madrid
When comparing his stats to those of the Palace star in 2024/25, he managed to better him in various areas, subsequently offering Arteta’s side a more potent attacking option.
The Brazilian, who’s been labelled “world-class” by analyst Ben Mattinson, achieved a better shot on target accuracy rate, whilst notching a better goal per shot on target rate - undoubtedly handing Arteta the added threat he craves.
How Rodrygo & Eze compare throughout 2024/25
Statistics (per 90)
Games played
Goals & assists
Shot-on-target accuracy
Pass accuracy
Key passes made
Passes into final third
Progressive carries
Carries into opposition box
Progressive passes
Stats via FBref
He also completed more key passes per 90, with more of which going into the final third, subsequently handing Gyokeres the chances he needs to be a success in North London throughout 2025/26.
Rodrygo’s ability to take the ball into dangerous areas is sensational, completing nearly double the amount of progressive carries per 90 and carries into the opposition box - having the end product to top off his mazy runs - as seen by his tally of 11 goal contributions.
There’s no doubt that the Madrid star would cost slightly more this summer, but it’s a move that would allow the side to land a better talent in the process.
His versatility within the final third would also provide needed depth in multiple positions, with the hierarchy needing to push hard to avoid missing out on his signature.