Arsenal's transfer business concluded on Deadline Day without any last-minute drama, as the club chose to trust their existing squad rather than add further reinforcements before the January window opens. Whether that restraint proves wise or costly will become clear as the Premier League title defence unfolds, but manager Mikel Arteta, known for his relentless pursuit of improvement, is unlikely to be fully satisfied with how the summer played out.
On the positive side, Arsenal moved shrewdly to protect themselves against William Saliba's long-term back issue by signing Ezri Konsa, a versatile defender capable of playing centrally or at right-back. The move should allow Saliba the time needed to recover fully without forcing a premature return.
The headline arrival, however, was Bruno Guimaraes. After a summer of protracted negotiations, the Brazilian midfielder finally completed his move to north London, immediately bolstering what was already considered one of the most formidable midfields in Europe. Early performances suggest his ball-progression qualities will add a new dimension to Arsenal's play, while also helping manage Declan Rice's workload across the season.
Another shrewd piece of business was the £34million signing of Christos Tzolis. Though he struggled in Arsenal's clash with Aston Villa, the winger has otherwise settled quickly and looks set to be a reliable source of goals and assists at a price that represents strong value in the current market.
Arsenal also managed their outgoings sensibly. The £60million sale of Gabriel Martinelli to a rival represented a club-record departure fee and a fair valuation in isolation. Ethan Nwaneri's loan move to Borussia Dortmund could similarly benefit both parties, giving the young talent regular football away from Emirates Stadium. Meanwhile, the departures of Gabriel Jesus and Fabio Vieira, despite lower-than-expected fees, helped Arsenal trim the squad and create wage-bill flexibility.
Yet for all the calculated moves elsewhere, Arsenal's failure to land a marquee attacking signing stands out as a significant miscalculation. Bolstering the final third was reportedly Arteta's top priority following the Champions League final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, where a lack of individual quality in attack was seen as a key factor.
Arsenal had an early opportunity to sign Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa but hesitated over valuation. By the time they returned to the negotiating table, the price had risen, and Chelsea swooped in to agree a £117million deal that Arsenal ultimately declined to match. That indecision came to define their summer in the attacking department, leaving the club without the reinforcement they had originally sought.
Compounding the issue, Arsenal parted with several attacking players — Martinelli, Jesus, Leandro Trossard, and Nwaneri — while bringing in just one replacement in that area, Tzolis. The result is a forward line now lacking the pace that Martinelli once provided, raising questions about Arsenal's ability to threaten in behind opponents or on the counterattack.
Despite Arteta's stated summer ambition to be "very ambitious, very fast and very smart," his side's business in attack fell short of those aims. Combined with the otherwise strong dealings elsewhere, it leaves Arsenal in the unusual position of appearing weaker in attack than they were twelve months ago.
Attention now turns to January, when Arsenal may look to address the gap. Injuries to key figures like Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, or Eberechi Eze could heighten the urgency, as could any fitness issues involving Viktor Gyokeres or Kai Havertz. Bournemouth's Junior Kroupi, expected to recover from a foot injury by the new year, has already been mentioned as a potential target. Much may also depend on whether Tzolis can sustain his early promise.
For now, Arsenal's summer window earns mixed reviews — astute in defense and midfield, but potentially costly in attack.
Based on reporting from Standard Football.