The summer transfer window is almost at its end and Arsenal have been among the busiest clubs in Europe. Mikel Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta have moved quickly to secure some of the most eye-catching deals of the Premier League window. Yet with the deadline looming, there is still the possibility of further changes. For Arsenal supporters, deadline day brings excitement and anxiety in equal measure. The question is whether the club will add the finishing touches to what has already been an ambitious summer.
This has been one of Arsenal’s most expensive transfer windows in recent memory. The intention is clear. After running Manchester City and **Liverpool**close in the title race in back-to-back-to-back seasons, the Gunners want to build a squad capable of sustaining a challenge while also competing in the Champions League. The message is simple. Arsenal no longer see themselves as outsiders. They are building to win.
A Busy Summer of Arrivals
The recruitment drive began with the capture of Noni Madueke from Chelsea. Signing a player from a London rival was a bold move, and the fee, in the region of £48 million, underlined how highly Arsenal value him. Madueke brings pace, trickery and the ability to play across the front line. He will provide genuine competition for Bukayo Saka on the right while also offering an alternative option on the left.
In defence, Arsenal looked to La Liga and secured the services of Cristhian Mosquera from Valencia. At 19, the Colombian-born defender is young but highly rated. He is comfortable on the ball, intelligent in his positioning and versatile enough to play in different roles across the back line. His signing fits the club’s long-term planning, offering depth now and potential for years to come.
The most significant addition in attack was Viktor Gyökeres from Sporting CP. Signed for around £55 million plus add-ons, the Swedish striker gives Arsenal something they lacked last season. He is a traditional number nine with strength, aerial ability and a ruthless eye for goal. While Gabriel Jesus offers movement and link play, Gyökeres brings the power to dominate centre-backs and thrive on crosses. His signing should give Arteta greater variety in attack and help reduce Arsenal’s reliance on wide players for goals.
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Perhaps the most exciting transfer of the summer, though, was Eberechi Eze. Brought in from Crystal Palace for close to £70 million, the England international is one of the **Premier League**’s most gifted playmakers. His dribbling, creativity and ability to glide through midfield give Arsenal another dimension. In a squad already boasting Martin Ødegaard, Declan Rice, and Kai Havertz, the addition of Eze makes Arsenal’s midfield one of the strongest in Europe.
When viewed together, these signings show that Arsenal are no longer simply building for the future. They are signing players ready to make an immediate impact, while also ensuring the squad has the depth to cope with injuries and fixture congestion.
Outgoings and Squad Balance
Alongside arrivals, there have been moves the other way. Goalkeeper Karl Hein has left on loan for Werder Bremen, giving him a chance to gain valuable first-team minutes. More significantly, Jakub Kiwior looks set to leave for Porto in a loan deal that could become permanent for around £26 million. The Polish defender has shown flashes of potential but has struggled for regular opportunities, and his exit would open the door for Arsenal to add another defender before the window shuts.
Reiss Nelson is another name on the departure list. The 25-year-old winger has long been admired for his technical ability but has never truly broken through at Arsenal. Crystal Palace are in talks over a £15 million deal and a move seems likely. For Nelson, the chance to play regularly in the Premier League could revive his career, while Arsenal would recoup funds to reinvest elsewhere.
These exits reflect a clear strategy. Arsenal are aiming to trim the squad of players on the fringes while strengthening with higher quality options. With Champions League football back on the agenda, Arteta knows he cannot afford passengers in his squad.
The Hincapié Chase
The most talked-about potential incoming ahead of deadline day is Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapié. Arsenal have monitored him closely for some time and his profile makes perfect sense. Left-footed, strong in duels and composed in possession, he would provide cover and competition for Gabriel Magalhães while also being able to fill in at left-back if needed.
Reports suggest that personal terms with Hincapié have already been explored and the move could depend on Kiwior’s departure being finalised. If Arsenal manage to get that deal across the line, Hincapié may yet be the final addition of a very busy summer.
Planning for the Future
Beyond the headline transfers, Arsenal have continued to keep an eye on younger talents who could form part of the club’s long-term vision. Players such as Jon Martín of Real Sociedad, Ajax midfielder Oscar Gloukh and Nordsjælland’s Caleb Yirenkyi have been linked with the Gunners in recent weeks. These names may not feature in this window, but they underline Arsenal’s determination to secure the next generation of talent. Hale End continues to produce quality players, but the club is widening its net across Europe to ensure the squad remains fresh and competitive in years to come.
What to Expect on Deadline Day
As the window draws to a close, Arsenal’s priority appears to be defence. The departure of Kiwior would leave a gap that the club is determined to fill, with Hincapié the most likely option. Supporters should also expect movement around Reiss Nelson, with his transfer to Crystal Palace gathering momentum.
What is notable is that Arsenal do not enter deadline day in a state of panic. Much of their business has already been completed, leaving only fine-tuning to be done. This contrasts with previous years where late scrambling was the order of the day. Edu and Arteta have worked with a clear plan, identifying targets early and moving decisively to secure them.
That does not mean surprises are impossible. Transfer windows are unpredictable and Arsenal will remain alert if an unexpected opportunity arises. But the bulk of the work has been done. The club are not relying on deadline day to transform their squad. They are simply looking to finish what has already been a successful summer.
A Defining Summer
Whatever happens in the final hours of the window, Arsenal have already delivered one of the standout transfer periods in Europe. Gyökeres and Eze would be marquee additions for any top side. Madueke and Mosquera bring depth and potential. The possibility of adding Hincapié before the deadline would strengthen an area of need.
For Arsenal supporters, deadline day will still carry the usual drama, but there is less uncertainty than in previous years. The squad looks stronger than ever in the post-Wenger era and the ambition from the board is unmistakable. Arteta now has the tools to compete on multiple fronts. The challenge is to mould this squad into a team capable of lifting major silverware.
As September begins, the feeling is that Arsenal have moved beyond being plucky challengers. With smart signings, ruthless departures and the possibility of one last defensive reinforcement, this could be remembered as the summer when the Gunners fully embraced their status as genuine contenders.