It’s that time of year again—when fans obsess over every rumour, every jet landing at a nearby airport, and every cryptic emoji on a player’s Instagram.
But for Arsenal supporters, the summer transfer window has been strangely quiet, and the silence is getting a little too loud.
While rivals like Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea, and Manchester City are already flexing their financial muscles, the Gunners have yet to reveal a single new signing.
Naturally, nerves are starting to jangle.
A New Sporting Director, A New Game Plan
Since Andrea Berta officially took over from Edu as Arsenal’s sporting director on March 30, he’s been juggling a big to-do list.
Top priorities? Lock in a top-tier striker, secure new contracts for key stars, and clear out fringe players for good money.
It’s nearly three months in, the transfer window has been open since June 1, and many fans are wondering when the real action will begin.
But behind the scenes, Berta isn’t sitting idle.
Other Clubs Are Spending Freely
Liverpool wasted no time post-title celebrations, splashing out over £150 million on Florian Wirtz, Giorgi Mamardashvili, and Jeremie Frimpong.
They’ve also lined up Milos Kerkez for £40 million.
Over at the Etihad, Manchester City have dropped over £100 million on Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Ait Nouri, and Rayan Cherki.
Meanwhile, Arsenal? Still waiting for that first official announcement.
Midfield Moves on the Horizon
There is some movement brewing.
Arsenal’s long-planned deal for Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi is expected to be confirmed soon, though Sociedad prefers to wait until July so it counts for the next financial year.
Also in the pipeline is Chelsea’s Kepa Arrizabalaga, who looks set to arrive as a backup or rotational option between the sticks.
There’s also interest in Brentford captain Christian Norgaard.
With Thomas Partey likely on his way out, the 31-year-old Dane—keen to stay in London—is open to ending his career at a top club like Arsenal, competing for titles and playing in Europe.
Striker Search: Arsenal’s Top Priority
The area of most concern? Arsenal’s front line.
Fans are eager for a big-name striker, and Mikel Arteta is pushing to get one in before the club heads off for their pre-season tour of Singapore and Hong Kong on July 19.
Berta and Arteta know the striker deal is crucial.
Once that’s locked down, the rest of the transfer dominoes—like a left-winger—will fall into place.
Top winger target Nico Williams appears bound for Barcelona, so adjustments may follow quickly.
Sesko Tops the Wishlist, But Gyokeres Lurks
Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig is currently Arsenal’s top target.
Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting Lisbon is also being watched, but there are doubts over how well he’d transition from Portugal’s league to the Premier League—even with his impressive 39 goals last season.
Interestingly, sources say Sporting are eager to sell Gyokeres, which might weaken their negotiating stance.
Still, Berta is keeping his options open.
If deals for Sesko or Gyokeres stall, don’t be surprised if a surprise name suddenly enters the picture.
Berta’s Cautious Approach vs Edu’s Tunnel Vision
Under Edu, Arsenal tended to go all-in on one target.
Berta, however, is more strategic.
He’s taking a cautious, multi-option approach to avoid being forced into overpaying—especially in a market with very few elite strikers available.
Leipzig knows Arsenal is desperate, and that knowledge is why negotiations for Sesko are dragging out.
But it’s not panic—it’s poker.
Slow Starts Are Arsenal’s Tradition
Historically, Arsenal doesn’t rush into summer signings.
In 2021, Ben White arrived on July 30 and Aaron Ramsdale in late August.
In 2022, Gabriel Jesus signed on July 4.
Declan Rice and Jurrien Timber came around mid-July last summer, with Riccardo Calafiori and Mikel Merino joining even later.
Fans still shudder at the late August loan signing of Raheem Sterling from Chelsea—a move that felt more like damage control than strategy.
Understandably, they’re hoping the club doesn’t leave things that late again.
Contract Renewals Bringing Stability
It’s not all about new faces. Arsenal are busy locking in current talent too.
Rising star Myles Lewis-Skelly just signed a long-term deal, while Gabriel Magalhaes has also renewed.
Next in line: Bukayo Saka, William Saliba, and Ethan Nwaneri.
Talks are also ongoing with Leandro Trossard to extend his contract through 2029.
These are the quiet but important moves that build long-term stability.
Fringe Players Set for the Exit Door
On the outgoing side, several names are being quietly nudged toward the door.
Reiss Nelson, Oleksandr Zinchenko (both on six-figure weekly wages), Jakub Kiwior, Fabio Vieira, and Albert Sambi Lokonga are all potential departures as Arsenal look to trim the squad and balance the books.
A Supporter’s Take: It’s a Waiting Game
Longtime Arsenal Supporters Club member Steve Kell isn’t losing sleep over the slow window.
He points out that the club’s financial year starts in July, so it makes perfect sense to wait.
“Why would you spend under last year’s books when you can spend smart with this year’s budget?” he says.
“It’s not delay—it’s strategy.”
Kell admits nerves will grow as time ticks on, but believes Arsenal holds more cards the longer they wait.
“It’s all part of the game,” he adds.
“You don’t show your hand too early.”
What Comes Next?
Until that marquee striker walks through the door, pressure will remain.
But with key contracts secured, a sensible financial strategy in place, and Berta quietly putting in the work, Arsenal’s summer isn’t stalled—it’s just waiting for the right moment to strike.
One big signing could change everything. Let’s see who blinks first.