While the summer transfer window still has just over a month to run, Arsenal are running out of time to bring in new faces before the 2025/26 Premier League season gets underway.
The Gunners have had a busy summer so far, with several new additions made to bolster Mikel Arteta’s squad. Midfielder Martin Zubimendi was one of the first deals completed, while striker Viktor Gyokeres has been the most high-profile signing to date.
Arsenal are currently in the Far East on their pre-season tour. They’ve beaten both AC Milan and Newcastle United while in Singapore and will face rivals Tottenham in Hong Kong on Thursday.
Once they return to England, they’ll take on Spanish sides Villarreal and Athletic Club at the Emirates Stadium before the new season kicks off. Arsenal’s Premier League opener is against Manchester United on Sunday, August 17.
With just over two weeks to go before that trip to Old Trafford, there’s still plenty of time for Andrea Berta and his team to finalise further business. That said, Arsenal find themselves in a strong position, having completed the bulk of their transfer dealings early in the window.
Left wing arguably remains the one area of uncertainty, with the club already strengthening at striker, in midfield, in defence, and in goal. However, space may need to be created in the squad, and funds raised, through potential sales, with Gabriel Martinelli or Leandro Trossard among those who could depart.
A report from The Athletic at the start of the summer stated that Arsenal intend to keep their key players, and Martinelli is considered one of them. However, it also noted that plans could change if a significant offer arrives for the Brazilian.
Martinelli is believed to be valued at around £50 million, which would represent a considerable profit on the £6 million Arsenal paid Ituano for him in 2019. That said, only a small number of elite clubs are thought to be attractive enough for Martinelli to consider leaving Arsenal.
Should a sale go through, it could pave the way for a move for Eberechi Eze. While primarily an attacking midfielder, the England international can also operate from the left.
However, The Guardian reports that a large portion of Eze’s £67.5 million release clause, around £35 million, must be paid up front. The report adds that Arsenal have held discussions with senior figures at Selhurst Park, but Palace are unwilling to accept anything below the release clause.
If both deals were to materialise and injuries are avoided, Arsenal could line up on the opening day of the season with a back four of Jurrien Timber, Gabriel, William Saliba, and Myles Lewis-Skelly, with David Raya in goal. Summer signing Zubimendi would join Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard in midfield.
Eze could then slot into a front three alongside Bukayo Saka and Gyokeres, who joined the Gunners from Portuguese side Sporting last week.
Dream XI vs Man United: Raya; Timber, Gabriel, Saliba, Lewis-Skelly, Rice, Zubimendi, Odegaard; Saka, Gyokeres, Eze
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