Arsenal concluded the summer transfer window without securing a 'game-changing' attacker, despite manager Mikel Arteta's stated ambition for their transfer dealings. The Gunners, who won their first Premier League title in 22 years last season, had aimed to elevate their forward line.
The club pursued several high-profile targets, including Morgan Rogers, Bradley Barcola, Julian Alvarez, and Vinicius Jr., but ultimately did not sign any of them. Arsenal reportedly stuck to their £80m valuation for Rogers before Chelsea paid £117m, and had reservations about the fee for Barcola. A deal for Alvarez also did not materialise despite Arteta's efforts.
Instead, Arsenal brought in Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes for £75m, Ezri Konsa from Aston Villa for £55m, made Piero Hincapie's loan permanent for £34.5m, and signed Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge for £34m. Konsa was signed due to injuries to William Saliba and Jurrien Timber, increasing the number of senior defenders to eight.
The club also saw the departure of several players, including left-wing forwards Gabriel Martinelli to Al-Hilal for an estimated £60m and Leandro Trossard to Besiktas for £15.3m. Gabriel Jesus also moved to Barcelona for £12.8m. These departures mean Eberechi Eze may see more opportunities on the left wing, a position he has played in for Arsenal.