Mikel Arteta Wants More Arsenal Signings – But Who Could Complete the Perfect Window?

Viktor Gyokeres before the game against Newcastle on Sunday (Getty Images Sport).

Arsenal announced the signing of Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting Lisbon at the weekend, as the talented striker became their sixth signing of the summer.

The 27-year-old Sweden international was introduced to fans ahead of Arsenal’s 3-2 pre-season win over Newcastle in Singapore, where Mikel Merino and Martin Odegaard found the net.

New sporting director Andrea Berta has already made an instant impact, overseeing an ambitious recruitment drive that includes Kepa Arrizabalaga, Christian Norgaard, Martin Zubimendi, Cristhian Mosquera, and Noni Madueke.

Arsenal are said to be delighted with the signings they have made so far and how early they’ve been able to complete the deals. But the message from the club is clear: they’re not done yet.

According to The Athletic, ‘‘Arsenal remain attentive to any opportunities, and business will not close until the window is over.’  

“We are constantly looking in the market,” Mikel Arteta said this week in Singapore.

So, who could be the final piece of the puzzle? Below, I look at five possible targets who could take Arsenal’s summer transfer business from great to perfect.

1. Eberechi Eze

Eberechi Eze is the name that has featured most prominently in Arsenal transfer news over the past few weeks. The attacker is said to be keen on a move across London. Ethan Nwaneri’s new contract is said to have cooled Arsenal’s interest in Eze, but the England international still has many admirers at The Emirates.

Eze was in the youth system at Arsenal, before he was released. (Julian Finney / Getty Images)

Capable of playing as a No. 10 or drifting in from the wing, he would add flair and depth to an attack already boosted by the arrivals of Gyokeres and Madueke. Arsenal are thought to be exploring a deal below his £68 million release clause, though it’s unclear whether Crystal Palace would be willing to negotiate. It is one to keep an eye on as the 2025/26 Premier League season draws closer…

Transfer chances: 8.5/10

2. Rodrygo

The potential transfer of Rodrygo from Real Madrid has been simmering throughout the summer, especially following his reduced role at the Club World Cup in July. Arsenal are reportedly interested in the Brazilian winger, but any move would likely require the departure of either Leandro Trossard or Gabriel Martinelli, as well as other outgoings to balance the books.

According to The Athletic, both Real Madrid and new manager Xabi Alonso could be open to letting Rodrygo leave if the right offer arrives. The required fee is believed to be in the region of £70 million.

There is no doubting Rodrygo’s talent, but there is some debate over whether his skillset would immediately translate to the physical demands of the Premier League. This would be a very ambitious signing for Arsenal and, in my view, be a clear upgrade on their existing left-wing options. The potential finances involved in the deal make it unlikely, but if Arsenal were to cash in on Trossard or Martinelli, it suddenly becomes a move worth watching closely.

Transfer chances: 5/10

3. Rafael Leao

Leao seems to be very popular amongst Arsenal fans with many seeing the Portuguese star as the solution to their left-wing problems. Early summer reports from Italy suggested that AC Milan’s star man was open to a move away, but so far, there’s been no concrete interest from Arsenal.

Primarily a winger but capable of playing through the middle, Leao faced Arsenal just last week in a 1-0 win for the Gunners, where Bukayo Saka grabbed the winner. While Leao showed flashes of his trademark flair, he also displayed some of the same frustrating traits that Gabriel Martinelli has been criticised for: inconsistency, poor decision making, and lack of execution in the final third.

If his social media activity is anything to go by, then Leao appears desperate for a move to Arsenal. He posted a picture to his Instagram of him wearing a Thierry Henry inspired T-shirt a few weeks ago and has been seen interacting with multiple of the Arsenal players’ posts. There have been no credible reports that suggest this is a transfer Arsenal are looking to do, but if they were to make some sales and other moves not go their way, then who knows…

Transfer chances: 3.5/10

4. Xavi Simons

Xavi Simons, from RB Leipzig, is another name that has emerged on Arsenal’s radar in recent weeks. The 22-year-old Dutch playmaker, currently at RB Leipzig, is expected to move on this summer and according to Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal are closely monitoring his situation.

Simons shares similarities with Arsenal’s top target, Eberechi Eze, in that he can play out wide and in more central positions. However, Chelsea appear to be leading the race, with multiple credible reports suggesting they’re already in advanced talks to sign him.

Simons is a very talented player with heaps of potential, but it has been suggested that Arsenal have prioritised a move for Eze over him. Five years younger than Eze and likely available at a lower fee, he could represent a more long-term investment. But questions remain over whether he's ready to make an immediate impact in the Premier League.

However, if any proposed deal for Simons to Chelsea falls through and likewise with Eze to Arsenal, then Simons could end up making the switch to North London, rather than south.

Transfer chances: 4/10

5. Anthony Gordon

Antony Gordon is another named that has been linked with a move to North London, with The Athletic’s David Ornstein reporting on multiple occasions this summer that Arsenal are admirers of the Newcastle winger.

The 23-year-old had an impressive season, albeit with ups and downs, including a red card that kept him out of Newcastle’s historic Carabao Cup win. His direct style, relentless energy, and ability to play on either flank make him an attractive move for Mikel Arteta’s side.

However, signing Gordon would come at a significant cost and Newcastle would be hugely reluctant to part with Gordon and star man Alexander Isak, who looks likely to join Liverpool, in the same window.

If Isak does end up going and Arsenal manage to raise some funds through sales of their own, they could make a move for the talented English winger later on in the window. Lots would need to fall in Arsenal’s favour, but never say never…

Transfer chances: 1.5/10

Conclusion: Arsenal One Signing from Glory?

Arsenal have already enjoyed one of their most efficient and exciting transfer windows in recent memory. With six signings through the door, the squad is deeper, more dynamic, and clearly built with title ambitions in mind.

Yet as Arteta has made clear, the club are still looking. Whether it’s the creativity of Eze, the star power of Rodrygo, or the long-term potential of Xavi Simons, Arsenal fans have plenty to dream about before the window slams shut.

With the 2025/26 Premier League season just around the corner, all eyes will be on Arsenal to see if they make one final move that transforms an already great window into a perfect one...