“I always want to score,” might sound like a relatively run of the mill quote from new Arsenal signing Viktor Gyokeres but it might be a warning shot by the Gunners to the Premier League as they get set for another crack at winning the elusive league title as well as Champions League silverware. At long last, they have a No.9, the first out and out striker since 2022 when they brought in Gabriel Jesus from Manchester City. After that signing underwhelmed, Arsenal had to do with playing Kai Havertz and Mikel Merino up front, which severely limited their goal scoring chances.
The Gunners are currently on a warpath in the transfer market, already signing 6 players before July has even ended. The closest they got to this transfer spree was back in the 2022/23 season when they snapped up Fabio Viera, Marquinhos, Matt Turner, Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko. That year was supposed to be their season but they finished second in the league.
The class of 2022/23, however, pales in comparison to the players Arsenal have already recruited by July this year. Martín Zubimendi, Gyokeres, Noni Madueke, Cristhian Mosquera, Christian Norgaard and Kepa Arrizabalaga are all largely big-name signings, which plug in the gaps on most of Arsenal’s problem positions.
Here to raise the levels.
Kepa Arrizabalaga is a Gunner. pic.twitter.com/8yMhga11ZC
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) July 1, 2025
This might also be the last throw of dice for Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta who after taking charge in 2019 has just a FA Cup and two Community Shields to show for his efforts. However, under him, Arsenal have found an identity that they lacked in the fag end of Arsene Wenger’s run and Unai Emery’s tenure. The Gunners under Arteta have turned into serious title contenders, finishing 2nd in the league for the last 3 seasons.
The recent signings might just be the final push that Arsenal need to finally clinch the big one. It will also satisfy a fanbase which more often than not accuse the club of dragging their feet in the transfer market and then panic-buy players who do not fit into Arteta’s vision. While that’s not always the case, the 2024/25 transfer window was a genuine head-scratcher from the club. They took the entire summer transfer window to sign three players, goalkeeper David Raya whose loan was made permanent and Riccardo Calafiori in July and then Mikel Merino in August. With time running out, they also signed Chelsea outcast Raheem Sterling on loan on deadline day which turned out to be a damp squib.
But the transfers they have made so far have been inspired. Zubimendi is a Euro 2024 winning midfielder who will provide the necessary stability in the centre along with Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard, a trio which will be a nightmare to deal with on song. Madueke, a UEFA Conference League and Club World Cup winner, will mostly be used as a backup to Bukayo Saka but can also slot into the left wing if needed. However, he might have to compete with Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli in that position.
Madueke, a UEFA Conference League and Club World Cup winner, will mostly be used as a backup to Bukayo Saka but can also slot into the left wing if needed. (Arsenal Media)
Kepa, who still holds the record for the highest goalkeeper transfer when he arrived in Chelsea for £71.6m in 2018, will have to stay content on the bench but is more than an adequate cover for Raya. Meanwhile, ex-Brentford captain Norgaard and Mosquera will mostly serve as competition to the first team players in the midfield and centre back respectively.
Crown jewel
Finally, the big Swede Gyokeres, the crown jewel of Arsenal’s transfer season so far, will slot in straight into the top of the Gunners attack which guarantees them a boatload of goals. With the Arsenal midfielders adept at providing delicious crosses and venomous corners, Gyokeres is the perfect man to be at the end of them.
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However, if rumours are to be believed with over one month left in the transfer window, Arsenal might look to bring in more signings with Real Madrid’s Rodrygo and Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze firmly in their radar.
Arsenal’s transfer activity is not a surprise though with most of their rivals having strengthened their respective squads. Defending champions Liverpool have already signed huge names like Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike and are almost certain to land Newcastle forward Alexander Isak while Manchester City have brought in Rayan Cherki, Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Ait-Nouri, Marcus Bettinelli and Sverre Nypan.
Arsenal’s journey to the title won’t be easy but with the six transfers they have pulled off till now, this might be their best chance to glory.
