Last summer, Arsenal spent a bucket load on improving Mikel Arteta's squad. The jury is still out on some players and the success of the window will ultimately come down to what happens over the next few weeks.
If the Gunners win the Premier League title and potentially take home the Champions League, their business will be considered a huge success.
Failing that, questions will be asked to Andrea Berta. Despite scoring 21 goals this season, was Viktor Gyokeres the team's best striker? Was Martin Zubimendi the right midfielder? Was Noni Madueke the right backup for Bukayo Saka?
Either way, they only have a matter of weeks now before the window opens again.
Where Arsenal can strengthen this summer
While last summer was focused on adding a forward to the ranks, this summer should be about strengthening the sides and adding to the midfield.
In midfield, Sandro Tonali's big game has been lifted, although their plans to add another body to that area of the pitch could be hampered after Myles Lewis-Skelly's performance against Fulham on Saturday as a left-8.
That said, the performances of Leandro Trossard – who completed six dribbles – should not deter Berta and Co from signing another player. In this case, players like PSG's Bradley Barcola and Newcastle United's Anthony Gordon have been linked with a move to the Emirates.
Gordon is not the only player at St James' Park on Arsenal's radar, however.
Arsenal's most expensive signing of all time
The Gunners have spent a lot of money in recent years.
Indeed, according to Football Transfers, they are also after defender Tino Livramento. They say Arsenal have had 'good' talks with the player's agent.
It has emerged that serious discussions over personal terms have taken place and there is now a strong 'belief' that Livramento wants to join the Gunners this summer.
On that basis, personal terms between the player and Arsenal are not an issue. What could be a problem, however, is spending money with Newcastle. Previous reports suggested he could cost upwards of £70m.
Why Saka will love playing with Livramento
Do Arsenal need to sign another defender this summer? It's possible, but it may depend on Ben White's future.
The former Brighton defender has enjoyed a run at the club recently with Jurrien Timber in the side but has been accused of lacking the discipline and technical ability that made him a champion in the early years of Arteta's reign at the Emirates.
Both players would appear to be injury prone and this time, Livramento is unlikely to help matters. The Chelsea academy product missed more than 20 games this season, missed a further seven in 2023/24 and suffered a serious ACL injury in 2021/22 which kept him out for 51 games.
|
Arsenal right back in PL – 2025/26 |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Mathematics |
White |
Timber |
|
Games |
11 |
30 |
|
Goals |
0 |
3 |
|
It helps |
1 |
5 |
|
Pass accuracy |
81% |
85% |
|
The takeover is 90 percent complete |
0.5 |
0.5 |
|
Duels won 90 |
4.8 |
5.4 |
That said, when he does get on the pitch, this is one of the best full-backs in the Premier League, someone who could benefit Saka a lot on the right.
This term, the Arsenal wide man has never been in the races. His form has been poor, mainly due to his lack of fitness and as a result, he has registered just ten goals and eight assists in all competitions. We say just because the expectations of the player in the wing are not set means that he should aim for great heights with his exit.
He also suffered from inconsistencies in Arsenal's defenders. It's hard to doubt Timber when it comes to defense, but he doesn't offer the same energy and passing threat that Livramento does down the right flank.
In 2025/26, the Newcastle defender registered 5.83 final third players per 90 minutes, and produced 1.56 thirds per 90 minutes. In comparison, Timber has scored 5.42 and finished just 1.10 in the opposition's half.
To really rubber stamp that point, Livramento is also completing 0.95 of 90 dribbles. Arsenal's best option on the right side of defense only manages 0.48.
While Arteta has always prioritized defensive solidity, by adding the Toon star to Arsenal's ranks, he could significantly increase Arsenal's threat down the right. Think of him as a modern day Hector Bellerin.
Again and again, Saka is doubled, but with Livramento at his side, it may take other defenders away for Arsenal's number 7 to cause serious damage.
Described as the “England captain of the future” by Theo Walcott, this is a move that could have many points.
Arsenal have already agreed a deal to sign Bukayo Saka Saka
Bukayo Saka returned to form in Arsenal colors last Saturday.
