Arsenal are on the brink of completing an remarkable seven transfers before the summer window concludes, with Mikel Arteta determined to push through more business before the deadline.
Arteta possesses what many consider the deepest squad in the Premier League, if not across the entire continent. The north London club, having secured the league title and reached the finals of both the Champions League and Carabao Cup, appear set to be even more formidable this term.
The Gunners launched their 2026/27 season with a convincing 3-0 triumph over Manchester City in the Community Shield, widely regarded as their main domestic threat. They subsequently dispatched newly-promoted Coventry City by the same margin in their opening league fixture last Friday.
It seems Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta have excelled in strengthening the squad during the summer months, securing the signings of Piero Hincapie, Illan Meslier, Christus Tzolis, Bruno Guimaraes and Ezri Konsa for a combined expenditure of £200million.
Nevertheless, further transfer activity is anticipated at the club’s training headquarters prior to the September 1 deadline, with numerous players deemed surplus to requirements anticipated to leave. Here is an examination of those potential departures and two arrivals the manager could finalise over the coming week.
Julian Alvarez – Arrival
Arteta’s desire for an additional marquee attacking player before the window shuts has been apparent throughout the summer. Berta previously failed in attempts to sign both Morgan Rogers and Vinicius Junior, though Julian Alvarez has consistently remained among the club’s primary objectives.
The former Manchester City striker has made his eagerness to depart Atletico Madrid abundantly clear. While Barcelona has always been Alvarez’s preferred destination, the Madrid club has maintained they will not sell their star player to a La Liga competitor.
Arsenal are consequently prepared to act should the Argentine abandon his Barcelona ambitions and choose to return to English football. Alvarez featured in Atletico’s squad for their match against Villarreal on Sunday, though reports indicate his situation with the club is becoming increasingly strained as he continues to push for an exit.
Should Alvarez persist in seeking a move, Arsenal would represent his most probable destination. There are contradictory reports regarding whether north London appeals sufficiently to Alvarez for him to compel a transfer anywhere other than Barcelona.
According to Spanish outlet AS, Alvarez has been communicating with Arteta and Berta, having apparently accepted the notion of joining the Gunners. However, other sources claim the player has no interest in a Premier League comeback.
Should Alvarez determine that Arsenal represent his preferred destination for the upcoming campaign, the primary obstacle would have been cleared. Alvarez is understood to be valued at approximately £130million, which the club are willing to invest as the World Cup winner would constitute a genuinely significant addition.
Gabriel Martinelli – Departure
The most notable high-profile exit Arsenal may sanction this summer involves Gabriel Martinelli. The Brazilian winger has seen his starting position taken by new signing Tzolis, and his omission from Arteta’s matchday squads for the opening two fixtures indicates he no longer features in the manager’s considerations.
The club recently rebuffed an approach from Galatasaray that fell short of their valuation, though they remain receptive to proposals. Despite interest from Turkish and Saudi Arabian leagues, Martinelli wishes to remain at the Emirates Stadium this season.
Given Arsenal’s desire to generate funds from the player, they may persist in excluding him from matchday squads to encourage acceptance of his situation. Should improved offers materialize for the 25-year-old before September 1, all parties might concur that his departure represents the optimal solution.
Gabriel Jesus – Departure
Gabriel Jesus similarly finds himself out of favour under Arteta. The Brazilian’s stint in north London has been hampered by injuries despite an impressive beginning to his Arsenal career four years ago.
Similarly to his fellow countryman Martinelli, Jesus has been listed for transfer although he would prefer to remain. Everton and Ipswich Town are among the clubs monitoring the forward.
However, given the club’s stature, Napoli emerges as his most probable destination should the 29-year-old accept that relocation is necessary. Napoli have made enquiries regarding a potential switch but the impediment thus far involves the Brazilian’s wage expectations.
The club have placed a reasonable valuation of £20million on the forward, making a move to the Serie A side feasible should he lower his salary demands in exchange for consistent playing opportunities.
Ethan Nwaneri – Loan
This represents a departure no Arsenal supporter wishes to witness. Nevertheless, both Arteta and the club concur that Ethan Nwaneri requires consistent match action to further his progression, and they are prepared to allow the talented midfielder to leave temporarily.
Arsenal’s preferred outcome involves a loan arrangement, though a substantial bid that would likely exceed the club’s previous record for player sales would be accepted. The 19-year-old himself is eager for increased game time this season, with AC Milan, Galatasaray and other Premier League clubs expressing interest in providing exactly that.
Reports suggest the youngster is certain to depart before the summer window concludes, though his destination remains uncertain.
Reiss Nelson – Departure
A player Arsenal have struggled to move on for several years is Hale End academy graduate Reiss Nelson. The 26-year-old spent the previous two seasons on loan at Fulham and Brentford and does not feature in the manager’s intentions for this campaign.
Significantly, he did not participate in Arsenal’s Premier League promotional photographs despite being present at their training facility the previous week. Both temporary and permanent transfers are under discussion as he enters the final year of his contract at the Emirates.
While speculation regarding a £3million move to West Ham has diminished recently, the transfer remains possible. The two clubs have held negotiations concerning a potential switch, with discussions centred on the deal structure after Nuno Espirito Santo urged the club to strengthen their attacking options.
Fabio Vieira – Departure
Fabio Vieira’s prolonged situation continues amid interest from Hamburger SV. The 26-year-old spent last season on loan but the German club did not trigger the £19million purchase option included in the agreement.
Both Hamburg and Vieira are hopeful of reaching an accord following his productive season in the Bundesliga. However, Arsenal refuse to accept a figure below £10million and have yet to settle on the player’s valuation.
Nonetheless, Sky Sport Germany reported last Thursday that the transfer remains active. At this stage, Berta should minimise losses and accept any bid Hamburg submit, as Vieira’s contract concludes in 2027 and the club would receive no funds for him from next summer onwards.
Igor Tyjon – Arrival
The transfer Arsenal appear most likely to complete in the coming days involves Igor Tyjon’s arrival from Blackburn. The England Under-18 prospect has been linked with a move to north London for some time and has reportedly now undergone a medical examination.
The 18-year-old declined the opportunity to sign a professional contract at Blackburn. Rovers rebuffed a £1million offer from Arsenal in January but he now appears set to finally complete the move following a £2million bid.