Much of Arsenal's success this season comes from proactiveness in the transfer market, when an investment of more than 250 million pounds helped coach Mikel Arteta's team have an initial period of sublimation.
However, the limitations in squad depth and the impact of injuries have been clearly revealed since the beginning of 2026, forcing the leadership with Andrea Berta as head to plan strong reforms in the summer of 2026.
Team purification to create financial resources
One of the top priorities is to improve player sales - a weakness that has lasted since Edu Gaspar's time. Arsenal needs to generate revenue to balance the budget after the big shopping period, while also making room for new factors.
Names like Gabriel Jesus, Ben White or even Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli can be considered if they receive a suitable offer. Even young talents like Ethan Nwaneri or Myles Lewis-Skelly are not completely invincible.
Strengthen the midfield with Ederson
Adding a quality central midfielder is an urgent requirement. Arsenal has become too dependent on Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi, while Christian Norgaard has not created confidence.
Therefore, Ederson of Atalanta emerged as a feasible option, with an expected price of about 40 million pounds. At the age of 26, the Brazilian midfielder is highly appreciated for his ability to compete, move and support attack - in line with Arteta's philosophy.
Finding solutions for the attack
Another big problem lies in the left winger position - where Arsenal lacks a player who can create breakthroughs. Although Noni Madueke has been recruited, the effectiveness has not yet met expectations. The Gunners are monitoring targets such as Nico Williams, Bradley Barcola and Anthony Gordon - players with speed, technique and high breakthrough ability.
Besides, Arsenal also needs to consider adding a real center forward - a player who can ensure a stable scoring output in big matches, where they often lack sharpness.
Relying on many scoring sources sometimes makes the team lack a decisive spark. This is also the reason Arsenal's board of directors is considering the option of recruiting a second striker, creating competition and reducing the burden on current key players.
In the context of increasingly fierce competition in the Premier League and UEFA Champions League, Arsenal understands that just investing is not enough. The most important thing is that they need to invest in the right place. An effective summer not only helps maintain their current position, but also determines whether the "Gunners" can take the final step to conquer major titles or not.
What these guys have done throughout the season, winning so many victories in a situation where we have to do it when we are short of many key players is really admirable" - Arteta said after the victory over Fulham.
