Six transfer targets Arsenal are considering ahead of bid to retain Premier League title
After ending their 22-year wait for a Premier League title, Arsenal appear determined to make a splash in the transfer market.
The Gunners are keeping an eye on Vinicius Junior’s contract negotiations ahead of an audacious swoop for the Brazilian superstar.
They are also hopeful of agreeing a deal with Newcastle for Bruno Guimaraes, but what else could we expect from Mikel Arteta’s men between now and September?
Business already done
Arsenal have been linked with plenty of players but free agent goalkeeper Illan Meslier and Greek winger Christos Tzolis are the only new faces at London Colney so far.
Meslier’s arrival should pave the way for the departure of Kepa Arrizabalaga, which would reduce their wage bill.
Despite a less than inspiring previous stint in the Premier League with Norwich, the Gunners have high hopes Tzolis will be an exciting addition to their attacking armoury.
His goals and assist numbers in the Belgian League for Club Brugge make for very good reading, and he also offers versatility as he can operate anywhere across the front line.
His main role will be as competition on the left for Gabriel Martinelli, and his arrival allowed Arsenal to sell Leandro Trossard to Besiktas for £17million.
If he can hit the heights the Arsenal hierarchy hope, it may also soften the blow of being gazumped by London rivals Chelsea in their pursuit of Morgan Rogers.
The other piece of incoming business Arsenal have done to this point is securing the services of Piero Hincapie from Bayer Leverkusen on a permanent basis. That was a no-brainer after his impressive loan spell last season.
Potential outgoings
Christian Norgaard is joining Everton for £7million after finding it hard to force his way into the starting line-up last season.
The Gunners could also be open to selling Ben White, although William Saliba’s back injury makes that less likely.
Manchester United are interested in Myles Lewis-Skelly, but if the Gunners are to cash in on an academy product, then Ethan Nwaneri is a bigger possibility.
He did not pull up any trees on loan at Marseille last season, but has interest from a number of clubs, including AC Milan, and it is hard to see how he gets the regular gametime he wants at the Emirates Stadium.
Another homegrown player, forgotten man Reiss Nelson, is wanted by West Ham.
Arsenal are also willing to listen to offers for striker Gabriel Jesus and midfielder Fabio Vieira, who has spent the last two seasons out on loan.
Potential incomings
Vinicius Junior
This would arguably be the most eye-catching signing in the Premier League for many a transfer window, comparable to when Dennis Bergkamp swapped Inter Milan for Highbury in the mid-90s.
talkSPORT understands that Vinicius Junior remains in talks with Real Madrid over a new deal, and Jose Mourinho wants to keep him, so the most likely outcome is he stays, but the fact Arsenal are even trying shows they are not resting on their laurels.
Bruno Guimaraes
This is one I expect to happen. The Newcastle captain has made it clear he wants to go and has already agreed personal terms on a long-term contract.
While Arsenal’s first formal offer was rejected on Monday, talks continue towards a deal worth around £80million.
Ezri Konsa
Arsenal’s interest in Ezri Konsa first emerged during the World Cup and seems to have grown in the wake of Saliba’s fitness woes.
Mikel Arteta is a big fan of the Aston Villa man, especially as he can cover at right-back as well as in the centre of defence. Villa value Konsa at around £60million.
Alex Scott
Declan Rice looked like he was running on empty by the end of England’s World Cup campaign, so it is perhaps no surprise that Arteta would like to bolster his central midfield options.
Arsenal contacted Bournemouth to register their interest in Scott, but the Cherries made it clear they do not plan to sell this summer.
Bradley Barcola
If their pursuit for Vinicius Junior fails, do not be surprised to see Arsenal pivot to Bradley Barcola. The France World Cup star has turned down several contract offers from PSG.
While his preference appears to be a move to Liverpool, joining the Premier League champions would also appeal.
Julian Alvarez
Arsenal have been keeping tabs on Julian Alvarez since the turn of the year, and with Atletico Madrid reluctant to sell him to Barcelona, he remains a live option.
Alvarez has a good relationship with Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta, who negotiated his move from Manchester City to Atleti in 2024.
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