What Summer Signings Should Arsenal Make To Build On This Season?

BRIGHTON, ENGLAND – MAY 4:Alexander Isak of Newcastle United during the Premier League match ... More between Brighton & Hove Albion FC and Newcastle United FC at Amex Stadium on May 4, 2025 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Shaun Brooks – CameraSport via Getty Images) While Mikel Arteta bullishly insisted that Arsenal had been the best team in this season’s Champions League, the reality is the Gunners will take no further part in the competition after Wednesday’s semi-final loss to Paris Saint-Germain. Domestically, Arsenal’s season ended a long time ago. The 2024/25 campaign was a disappointment for the North London outfit. Arsenal started the season targeting the Premier League title, its first since the days of Arsene Wenger. By Christmas, however, Arteta’s team was a long way off Liverpool at the top of the table. The Gunners suffered early exits in the cup competitions too. PARIS, FRANCE – MAY 7: Head coach Mikel Arteta of Arsenal react after the UEFA Champions League ... More second leg semi-final match between PSG and Arsenal at Parc des Princes stadium in Paris, France on May 7, 2025. (Photo by Mustafa Yalcin/Anadolu via Getty Images) A run in the Champions League kept alive the hope that Arteta and his players would lift a trophy this season, but Arsenal fell short. Now, it must use the summer transfer window wisely to plug some of the holes that sunk them this season. Transfer speculation is already swirling over potential targets. A new centre forward will surely be at the top of the shopping list. Alexander Isak is widely believed to be Arsenal’s dream target, but prising the Swedish striker from Newcastle United will be extremely difficult. Viktor Gyokeres could be an alternative following another impressive campaign for Sporting CP. Martin Zubimendi has been linked with a summer switch to the Emirates Stadium after coming close to joining Liverpool last summer. The Real Sociedad midfielder would give Arsenal a different dimension in the centre of the pitch. Zubimendi is widely considered one of the best rhythm builders in possession anywhere in European soccer. SAN SEBASTIAN, SPAIN – APRIL 12: r0 of Real Sociedad in action during the LaLiga match between Real ... More Sociedad and RCD Mallorca at Reale Arena on April 12, 2025 in San Sebastian, Spain. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images) Arsenal could also afford to upgrade on the left wing. Gabriel Martinelli has scored nine goals in all competitions this season, but the Brazilian winger isn’t always the most reliable difference-maker in the biggest matches. Nico Williams is reportedly on Arsenal’s radar and could cost €60m from Athletic Club this summer. Arteta might push for defensive reinforcements. Jakub Kiwior performed well in the absence of Gabriel Magalhaes through injury, but Arsenal could make a move for another elite level centre back to give them better cover. An orthodox right back is another player Arsenal may prioritised in the next transfer window. Andrea Berta will take up his position as Arsenal’s new sporting director this summer and his task will be a challenging one. The Gunners find themselves at a critical juncture in their recent history. This season didn’t bring the silverware Arsenal had hoped for, but it made clearer than ever what Arteta needs to complete the job. Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/grahamruthven/2025/05/09/what-summer-signings-should-arsenal-make-to-build-on-this-season/