Arsenal may need to look at some cheaper summer transfers if Viktor Gyokeres joins for roughly £70million. The Swede has become Mikel Arteta’s striker focus in the last 72 hours with negotiations advancing to have him join from Sporting CP imminently.
The Gunners have already sealed deals for Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard – though the latter is still waiting for his switch from Brentford to be officially confirmed.
Talks for Eberechi Eze, Rodrygo, Noni Madueke and Cristhian Mosquera have also taken place over recent weeks with multiple additions targeted. It would likely require over £200million to complete all those signings and, thus, some alternatives may need to be looked at.
So with that being said, football.london has taken a closer look at six players out of contract next summer that could, therefore, be available at a lower price;
Marc Guehi
One of the best players that could be free to sign in 2026 is Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi. Liverpool and Newcastle United have been strongly linked to the England international but Arsenal could swoop in especially as they are looking to sign a new defender.
Guehi is open to running down his contract at Selhurst Park, but Palace may want to receive a fee especially as they look set to sign Ousmane Diomande from Sporting. According to transfermarkt, Guehi is valued at £39million (€45m), but Palace could demand more for him.
Mosquera would be cheaper but Guehi is already proven Premier League option and full international that would instantly improve Arsenal’s squad.
Yoane Wissa
In a summer of change at Brentford, Arsenal could look to bring in another player from the Bees. Norgaard will soon see his move confirmed and Yoane Wissa could be their next target.
Transfermarkt claim he is worth £27.7million (€32m) and, considering the versatility he would bring, that is a deal worth looking at. The 28-year-old mostly plays up top but he can be deployed out on the left which could be the dream signing for what Arteta wants.
Julio Enciso
Brighton are another Premier League club that Arsenal may look to deal with again after their move for Leandro Trossard. This time it would be for Julio Enciso with the 21-year-old fresh off a bright loan at Ipswich Town.
There are several European clubs believed to be circling the Paraguay international but he could be perfect for a squad role in north London having played in multiple positions.
Johan Bakayoko
Arsenal could go back for an old transfer target in Johan Bakayoko with it now likely he is much cheaper. The PSV forward continues to be strongly linked with a move to the Premier League and Arsenal could fulfil that aim if a deal for Madueke falls through.
Having enjoyed another steady season, the 22-year-old could be the perfect back-up to Bukayo Saka with his own injury issues making it clear a right-sided attacker is needed especially if Ethan Nwaneri’s future is in midfield.
Quinten Timber
Staying in the Netherlands, Feyenoord’s Quinten Timber, the brother of Arsenal defender Jurrien, may be available. The 24-year-old is extremely versatile, with nine positions played in during his career, but he is just coming back to full fitness after a serious knee injury.
Having captained the Dutch outfit for the majority of last season, it would also be another leader in the squad that can help Arsenal win trophies.
Serge Gnabry
This would be quite an interesting move but a return to Arsenal for Serge Gnabry can’t be completely ruled out. Entering the final months of his contract at Bayern Munich, they could be looking to cash in and then sign a big name after losing Leroy Sane.
The 29-year-old now has a wealth of experience under his belt and is able to play on both flanks which would certainly help Arteta.
