After finishing second in the Premier League for the third time this season and going five years without lifting a trophy, Arsenal fans are once again left hoping for change.
Under Mikel Arteta, the team has definitely improved — especially with that unforgettable double victory over Real Madrid — but this past campaign showed some setbacks that need urgent fixing.
The Striker Crisis That Can’t Be Ignored
One glaring issue is the lack of goal-scoring firepower up front.
For the first time in over a century, Arsenal didn’t have a single player reach double digits in league goals.
That’s a huge red flag and the club knows it: landing a reliable No 9 is their top priority this summer.
Missing out on signing one last summer has probably cost them dearly this season.
Other Areas Arsenal Are Eyeing to Strengthen
Beyond a striker, Arsenal also need reinforcements on the left wing.
Gabriel Martinelli is talented but hasn’t been consistent enough, so the club wants more competition there.
Meanwhile, the goalkeeper spot is also being reviewed — David Raya’s backup position is a concern, with Espanyol’s Joan Garcia a leading target despite a hefty price tag around £20 million.
However, Arsenal will have stiff competition from clubs like Newcastle, Barcelona, and Aston Villa for him.
Defensively, left-back might also see some movement.
Kieran Tierney is expected to return to Celtic, and Oleksandr Zinchenko looks set to leave, leaving gaps that the club may need to fill.
Central midfield, on the other hand, seems set with Martin Zubimendi joining to replace Jorginho, who has moved on to Flamengo in Brazil.
How Big Is Arsenal’s Transfer Budget This Summer?
Good news for the Gunners is that they’re in a solid financial position thanks to their Champions League run and finishing second in the Premier League.
The club pulled in around £97 million from Europe and at least £175 million from their league finish.
Plus, their commercial revenues have grown significantly, reaching £218 million in the 2023-24 season, with better matchday income and a manageable wage bill helping the situation.
So, Arsenal could potentially have a big summer in terms of spending — if they decide to go all out.
Who Are the Main Targets on Arsenal’s Radar?
When it comes to strikers, Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko are the two front-runners.
Alexander Isak from Newcastle is Arteta’s dream pick, but that looks unlikely given Newcastle’s Champions League qualification and Isak’s price tag, which could exceed £100 million.
Gyokeres has impressed at Sporting, scoring 57 goals in 49 appearances this season, and Arsenal’s new sporting director, Andrea Berta, is a big admirer.
Still, there’s debate within Arsenal about whether he’ll quickly adapt to the Premier League, especially since the Portuguese league is quite different.
Interestingly, Manchester United are also tracking Gyokeres.
Sesko, only 21, has netted 26 goals this season and fits Arsenal’s profile for a young, promising striker with room to grow.
The Gunners almost signed him last summer, but the deal didn’t go through because of concerns about playing time.
On the left wing, Arsenal are keen on Atletico Club’s Nico Williams, but his salary demands are a challenge.
AC Milan’s Rafael Leao and Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens are also on their radar.
The midfield signing of Zubimendi from Real Sociedad is nearly done, costing around £51 million, and will bolster Arsenal’s central engine.
As for the goalkeeper backup spot, Garcia remains a prime candidate, though former Arsenal keeper Emiliano Martinez has also been linked surprisingly.
Which Young Players Could Step Up Next Season?
Arsenal’s academy continues to shine with exciting prospects.
Max Dowman, just 15, has already caught the eyes of Arteta and Declan Rice and will join the pre-season tour in Asia.
He’s expected to join the first team soon, only held back by Premier League age registration rules.
Ethan Nwaneri and Myles Lewis-Skelly have been making strides too.
Lewis-Skelly is already a first-team regular, with 39 appearances and two England caps this season.
Nwaneri, 18, had a breakthrough campaign with nine goals, including stunning strikes in the Champions League and a standout goal against Manchester City.
Who Could Be Leaving the Club?
Some players are confirmed to leave after their loan spells, like Raheem Sterling returning to Chelsea and Neto back to Bournemouth.
Jorginho has joined Flamengo, and Tierney will head back to Celtic.
Thomas Partey’s future is uncertain — his contract ends this summer but Arteta wants to keep him. Zinchenko is also linked with an exit.
Leandro Trossard’s contract talks continue, but with his age and recent form, a move could be on the horizon.
Last season, Saudi clubs expressed interest, but Arsenal resisted; that might change.
Jakub Kiwior was initially tipped for a summer exit but has impressed recently, filling in at center-back after Gabriel’s injury, so that plan may shift.
Long-term absentees Takehiro Tomiyasu and Gabriel Jesus are still recovering and likely won’t be sold this summer.