Arsenal has been one of the busiest teams in this summer’s transfer window. The Gunners had a clear strategy: get business done early. Instead of waiting until the very last week of the window like some clubs do, they wanted to grab their top targets quickly, build the squad for the new season, and only leave a few finishing touches for later.
And at first, it looked like that plan was working perfectly.
They signed Martin Zubimendi, a Spanish midfielder known for his smart passing and ability to control games. They also landed Viktor Gyökeres, the Swedish striker who scored goals for fun at Sporting Lisbon last year. These two were the headline moves – the kind of players who can slot straight into the starting eleven and make a difference.
On top of that, Arsenal also brought in Noni Madueke from Chelsea, a young winger with lots of pace and dribbling skills, plus Cristhian Mosquera, a strong defender from Valencia. They added experience too with Christian Nørgaard, a reliable midfielder, and even picked up goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga as extra cover. By the time preseason ended, the squad looked stacked and ready for action.
But as the transfer window started to close, something strange happened: the “finishing touches” Arsenal had planned didn’t arrive.
The Rodrygo Question
One of the biggest names linked to Arsenal was Rodrygo, the Brazilian winger from Real Madrid. Rodrygo is fast, skillful, and has played in some of the biggest games in world football – including the Champions League. In fact, he scored two dramatic goals in just a couple of minutes against Manchester City in the 2022 Champions League semifinal, helping Madrid reach another final.
Arsenal knew signing Rodrygo wouldn’t be easy. Their plan was to wait until Madrid finished their Club World Cup run, then see if the player was open to leaving. The club was even prepared to give him a massive salary, right at the top of Arsenal’s wage structure – that shows how serious they were.
But here’s the problem: Rodrygo never asked to leave. While he was flattered by Arsenal’s attention, he didn’t push for a transfer. And Real Madrid weren’t eager to sell. Unless Madrid themselves decide to move him on, Arsenal’s dream of seeing Rodrygo in red and white might remain just that – a dream.
The Eberechi Eze Situation
The other exciting name was Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace. Eze is one of the most creative players in the Premier League. Last season, he scored 11 league goals and made fans cheer with his silky dribbling and ability to glide past defenders.
Inside Arsenal, many staff members admired him. Sources even say Eze was “on edge” waiting for a bid. He knew Arsenal liked him and he was excited about the chance to play Champions League football.
But hesitation crept in. Arsenal’s coaches see Eze mainly as a No.10, a central attacking midfielder. They weren’t convinced he fit the profile of the left-sided winger they really wanted. While Eze can play wide, his style didn’t quite match the blueprint manager Mikel Arteta had in mind for that position.
That pause gave their rivals Tottenham Hotspur the chance to sneak in. Spurs moved forward with talks, while Arsenal sat still. Now, it looks more likely that Tottenham could land him, and Arsenal may have missed their shot.
Do Arsenal Still Want Another Attacker?
Here’s where it gets interesting. Arsenal already has Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard for the left wing. Both are talented players – Martinelli is lightning quick and scored 15 league goals in the 2022–23 season, while Trossard is clever and versatile.
But privately, some inside Arsenal doubt if those two alone can carry the team to a Premier League title. Last season, Manchester City scored 96 goals, while Arsenal managed 91. That’s still amazing, but Arsenal wants to be even sharper in attack. They know that one more top attacker could be the difference between finishing second again and finally winning the league for the first time since 2004 – the famous “Invincibles” season when they went unbeaten all year.
So the will to buy another forward is there – but the conviction is not.
Defensive Problems Brewing
Ironically, the clearest path to a signing might now come in defence, not attack. Two Arsenal defenders, Jakob Kiwior and Oleksandr Zinchenko, could both leave before deadline day.
Kiwior has been wanted by FC Porto, who have offered a loan deal with an obligation to buy.
Zinchenko, meanwhile, has grown frustrated with his role at Arsenal. Last season, he struggled with injuries and was often left on the bench. He even admitted he felt “embarrassed” by how little he played. While he had interest from Italy and Germany last year, those clubs have gone quiet. Lately, his strongest links have been to teams in Turkey.
If Zinchenko leaves, Arsenal would lose an experienced player who helped them finish second in 2022–23. But keeping an unhappy player can also hurt team spirit. The big issue is that Arsenal may not get much money for him – they could even be forced to let him leave on the cheap.
What Happens Next?
So, where does this leave Arsenal as the window ticks down? Honestly, it’s a bit messy. The Gunners started with a clear plan: strike early, lock in their core signings, then add the final touches later. But as we get closer to deadline day, those “finishing touches” are still missing.
Will they go for stardust with Rodrygo?
Will they regret missing out on Eze to Tottenham?
Or will they simply have to settle for a late defensive reinforcement instead of a glamour signing?
Right now, everything hangs in the balance.
Soccer Facts to Know
Arsenal last won the Premier League in 2003–04, going unbeaten across all 38 games. This remains one of the greatest achievements in English soccer.
The transfer window is a period where clubs can buy and sell players. In the Premier League, the summer window usually runs from June to the end of August.
Spending early can be risky but also smart. Last season, Chelsea spent over £400 million across two windows but still finished 12th. Arsenal, with a more focused approach, finished 2nd.
A team’s wage structure matters. Offering Rodrygo a salary at the top of Arsenal’s pay scale shows he would have been one of their most important players right away.
Tottenham and Arsenal are fierce rivals. If Eze chooses Spurs, it could add extra spice to the next North London Derby.
Final Thoughts
Arsenal fans can feel both excited and nervous. The club did amazing business early in the summer with Zubimendi and Gyökeres. The squad is stronger than last year, and the Gunners should once again challenge for the title.
But the late indecision about whether to push for one more attacker or focus on defence leaves big questions. Sometimes, it’s the last move in a transfer window that makes all the difference.
So, will Arsenal sign one? Two? Or none at all? With the deadline approaching fast, fans will be watching every rumor and update, hoping the club makes the right call to finally take them back to the top of English soccer.