From the moment the 2025–26 season kickoff whistle echoes, fans and pundits alike will be asking one burning question: who should Arsenal sign next to bridge the final gap between “nearly” and “nowadays contenders”? With Mikel Arteta’s blueprint starting to look like a winner’s recipe—possession, pressing, and progressive youth development—what remains is surgical in-market business in the transfer windows. In this article, QuraGoal will accompany you through the smartest options, the positional needs, and the bold dreams that could propel the Gunners to lift silverware.
Below, you’ll find analysis of Arsenal’s current squad strengths and weaknesses, priority positions to address, cold hard names linked or ideal for signing, and strategic considerations for the club’s future. By the end, you’ll see a clearer picture of who should Arsenal sign—and why each name matters in Arteta’s vision.
Strengths, Weaknesses, And Transfer Realities
The Arsenal Core: What You Can Build Around
Arsenal have crafted a compelling base. The spine—William Saliba at the back, Declan Rice in midfield, and Bukayo Saka up front—gives them identity. Saliba recently committed his long-term future to the club, turning down interest elsewhere. (news reports) Arteta has shown trust in youth, blending academy and marquee purchases. Recent arrivals like Martín Zubimendi and Noni Madueke show the direction: technically polished, attack-minded, and versatile.
Where The Gunners Outpace Rivals
- Midfield control: With Rice plus Zubimendi, Arsenal can dominate possession and transition phases.
- Defensive solidity: The Saliba–Gabriel pairing looks increasingly reliable.
- Youth pipeline: Investing in wonderkids offers both future returns and squad depth.
Glaring Gaps And Risk Zones
- Goal-scoring certainty: Even after signing Viktor Gyökeres, there’s pressure for consistent Premier League output. (Gyökeres profile)
- Backup goalkeeper: With Neto no longer a long-term option, Arsenal must ensure dependable depth.
- Alternative wide attacking flair: Madueke covers one flank; a complementary winger would give more tactical flexibility.
- Squad rotation and balance: Depth in key areas, especially in left-back/left center-back and box-to-box midfield, is still needed.
- Wage structure and financial constraints: Transfers must respect sustainability, not just marquee appeal.
Which Positions To Prioritize
Before we dive into names, here’s where Arsenal should focus:
- Striker – Even with Gyökeres, there’s room for a partner or future-proof alternative.
- Backup Goalkeeper – Stability here is often the difference in tight title races.
- Winger / Wide Forward – A second creative spark for rotation or alternate systems.
- Young Defensive Option – To hedge against injuries or departures in defense.
- Box-to-box Midfielder – A complementary engine to Rice and Zubimendi, especially if the schedule becomes congested.
Each signing must share a common profile: technical excellence, tactical intelligence, relative youth or resale value, and a willingness to buy into Arsenal’s DNA.
Top Names Arsenal Should Sign
Here’s the shortlist of smart, modern targets that align with Arsenal’s growth arc. Some are realistic, others bold—each with their pros and cons.
Viktor Gyökeres
Arsenal already secured Gyökeres for the 2025–26 season. The Swedish striker comes hot off a prolific run in Portugal, where he was lauded as one of Europe’s top scorers. (Gyökeres profile) The question will be whether he can translate that form to the Premier League consistently. He is part of the answer—but probably not the only one.
Kepa Arrizabalaga
As a relatively affordable option, Kepa offers Premier League experience and a chance to be a reliable number two, or even compete for starting minutes. He is linked in some reports as a backup option that would not stretch the wage bill too far.
Nico Williams
A winger whose speed, dribbling, and low center-of-gravity draw comparisons to Bukayo Saka, he’d bring unpredictability on either flank. Arsenal reportedly pursued him before and may reignite interest this summer. (transfer rumor talk)
Jeremy Jacquet
At just 19, the Rennes defender is a long-term bet. If Kiwior or Zinchenko were to leave, Jacquet could step in gradually. His inclusion would be about planning for the future without needing immediate first-team demand. (footballwhispers insight)
Morgan Rogers
Rogers brings versatility—he can play centrally or wide—and attacking threat. His inclusion would aid rotation and add creative depth, especially in games when Arteta wants to shift the shape. (rumor reports)
Bruno Guimaraes (Dream Option)
If Newcastle were vulnerable, Guimaraes would represent an audacious but transformative move. He can orchestrate, contribute goals, and gives Arsenal a midfield pivot of international quality. (transfer speculation) Whether feasible is another question.
Smart Strategy For Signing
Mix Big and Smart Bets
Arsenal should avoid putting all eggs in one massive transfer. Instead, invest in one or two marquee names (like Gyökeres or Williams) and balance with calculated youth signings (Jacquet).
Plan For Departures
Given possible movement (Zinchenko, Kiwior, Tierney), some targets are defensive replacements. Keep a fluid pipeline so departures don’t leave holes mid-season.
Timing Matters
Being proactive in early windows reduces competition. For example, moves like Saliba’s contract renewal or early approaches for Zubimendi show Arsenal’s ability to get ahead of the pack. (news on Saliba new deal)
Tactical Fit Over Hype
Every candidate must align with the pressing, possession style Arteta demands. A flair winger who can’t defend won’t last. Good attitude, versatility, and tactical discipline are non-negotiables.
Final Thoughts
Who should Arsenal sign? The answer isn’t a single superstar—it’s a smart blend of ambition and balance. Gyökeres gives them firepower; Kepa delivers experienced depth; Nico Williams adds creative volatility; Jacquet secures the future; Morgan Rogers brings tactical flexibility; Guimaraes remains a dream grab if circumstances align.
In short: Arsenal need a striker upgrade, a reliable backup keeper, wide attacking support, and future defensive investments. Do that well, and the “nearly there” moniker could become a thing of the past.
Now, it’s your turn, Gunners fans: which signing excites you the most? And what trade-off would you make to see Arsenal crowned champions? Follow QuraGoal to see more interesting information.
