Arsenal transfer news, Arsenal summer targets, Premier League transfers 202
As the curtain falls on the 2024/25 season, Arsenal finds itself at a critical juncture. Despite showing flashes of brilliance under Mikel Arteta, the Gunners once again fell short in their quest for Premier League glory.
The gap between them and consistent title challengers like Manchester City and Liverpool remains, and the summer transfer window presents an opportunity that Arsenal simply cannot afford to waste.
With Champions League football secured and expectations rising from fans and pundits alike, Arsenal's recruitment team must act boldly and decisively. The club's current squad is filled with promise, but reinforcements are necessary if they are to not only compete but win trophies.
With that in mind, here are the top five transfer targets
Arsenal must sign this summer to stay competitive in the high-stakes
landscape of Premier League transfers 2025.
Arsenal's attacking department has shown
promise, but the absence of a ruthless, out-and-out striker continues to haunt
them in crunch moments. Viktor Gyökeres, the Swedish hitman currently lighting
up the Portuguese league with Sporting CP, could be the solution.
Gyökeres has been nothing short of prolific
this season. His blend of physicality, intelligent movement, and clinical
finishing makes him a nightmare for defenders. Unlike the more technical but
often inconsistent Gabriel Jesus, Gyökeres is a traditional number 9 with
modern versatility. He presses aggressively, links up play with confidence, and
has the knack for being in the right place at the right time.
At 26, he’s entering his prime and would
offer Arsenal the kind of presence they’ve lacked since the departure of
Olivier Giroud. More than just a finisher, he can bully defences and create
space for the likes of Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard to exploit. If Arsenal
are serious about challenging for the Premier League title and going deep in
Europe, they need a forward of Gyökeres’ caliber.
Why He Fits
Proven goal scorer with a high work rate.
Ideal for a pressing system.
Adds height and physicality to Arsenal’s frontline.
Estimated Fee: £60-70 million
2. Martín Zubimendi – The Midfield Metronome Arsenal Can Build Around
While Declan Rice has been a transformative
signing, there is still a need for a deeper-lying playmaker who can dictate
tempo and control possession. That’s where Martín Zubimendi comes in.
The Real Sociedad midfielder has long been
admired by Mikel Arteta, and for good reason. Zubimendi possesses the poise,
intelligence, and technical quality required to thrive in the Premier League.
He’s not flashy, but he is supremely effective rarely misplacing a pass, always
making himself available, and understanding space like few others.
With Thomas Partey’s injury record becoming more of a concern and Jorginho nearing the twilight of his career, Zubimendi would provide Arsenal with much-needed control in midfield.
His presence would
allow Rice to play with more freedom, potentially pushing higher up the pitch
in games Arsenal dominate.
Why He Fits:
Complements Declan Rice perfectly
Long-term replacement for Partey/Jorginho
Already experienced in European
competition.
3. Ferdi Kadıoğlu – The Versatile Full-Back Arsenal Need
One of the most underrated names in the Arsenal summer targets shortlist should be Ferdi Kadıoğlu. The Fenerbahçe
full-back has quietly developed into one of the most complete and versatile
defenders in European football.
Kadıoğlu is comfortable playing on either
flank and is equally capable of operating as a wing-back or inverted
full-back a tactical flexibility Arteta will undoubtedly appreciate. With
Oleksandr Zinchenko struggling defensively and Takehiro Tomiyasu often
sidelined through injury, Kadıoğlu offers both quality and consistency.
More than just a defender, he’s a key
attacking outlet. His dribbling ability, close control, and passing in tight
spaces make him ideal for the possession-based, fluid style Arsenal wants to
play. In an era where full-backs are expected to do it all, Kadıoğlu ticks
every box.
Why He Fits:
Comfortable in multiple defensive roles
High football IQ and stamina.
Adds depth and competition for Zinchenko and White
Estimated Fee: £30-35 million
4. Benjamin Šeško – A Star in the Making
While Arsenal would benefit from an
experienced striker, they also must look ahead. In that regard, Benjamin Šeško
of RB Leipzig stands out as one of the brightest young forwards in Europe.
Šeško is often compared to Erling Haaland
due to his stature, pace, and style of play. Still only 21, he’s already
scoring regularly in the Bundesliga and has shown maturity beyond his years. He
combines height and strength with a surprisingly delicate touch and a keen eye
for goal.
Bringing in Šeško now could give Arsenal
the striker succession plan they need. He may not be the finished product, but
under Arteta’s guidance, he could evolve into a top-tier Premier League
striker. It’s the kind of investment that could pay off massively in both
sporting and financial terms.
Why He Fits:
Long-term project with high ceiling.
Natural replacement if Gyökeres is
unavailable.
Keeps Arsenal competitive with
future-focused planning.
5. Riccardo Calafiori – The Left-Sided Defensive Reinforcement
Defensive solidity has been key to
Arsenal’s improved performances, but the lack of depth on the left side of
central defence remains a concern. Enter *Riccardo Calafiori*, the Bologna
defender who has quietly become one of Serie A’s most consistent performers.
Calafiori combines physical strength with
excellent positioning and calmness in possession. A left-footed centre-back is
a rare asset in modern football, and with Gabriel already a cornerstone, having
someone like Calafiori to rotate or step in when needed would be invaluable.
What’s more, Calafiori has experience
playing as a left-back, making him a tactical asset when dealing with injuries
or system changes. He’s young, hungry, and has the defensive profile that suits
the Premier League.
Why He Fits:
Natural left-footed centre-back.
Can also cover at left-back.
Adds balance and depth to the defensive
unit.
Conclusion:
Arsenal Must Think Big and Act Bold. Premier League transfers 2025 scene, Arsenal cannot afford to be passive. The foundation has been laid under Mikel Arteta, but the next step requires elite reinforcements. If the Gunners want to transition from contenders to champions, every move this summer must be strategic and assertive.
While the names above each bring something different to the table, they all align with Arteta’s footballing philosophy and the club’s long-term vision.
Viktor Gyökeres offers immediate firepower.
Zubimendi provides control and maturity. Kadıoğlu adds versatility and
technical prowess. Šeško is the future. Calafiori shores up the backline.
These are not fantasy signings they’re attainable, smart investments that would send a message to the rest of the league: Arsenal is not here to participate.
The fans are ready. The stadium is ready. Now it’s up to the board to deliver a transfer window worthy of the ambition Arsenal has rekindled over the last few years. Because to stay competitive at the very top, especially in this ever-evolving league, there’s no room for hesitation only action.
