Arsenal have a clear priority heading into the summer transfer market after their Premier League triumph was nearly undone by one glaring issue for Mikel Arteta
Sunday’s champagne might still be bubbling – and a Champions League final still awaits – but Arsenal are already turning their attention toward the summer transfer window. After finally being crowned champions of England for the first time since 2004, the Gunners will be determined to ensure their spell at the top is not a short-lived one.
As a result, a number of high-profile arrivals are expected. With a defence widely viewed as their strongest area and a midfield already packed with quality, Arsenal are set to focus on strengthening their attacking options this summer.
Although marquee signing Viktor Gyokeres enjoyed a respectable first season in North London, he has yet to provide the ruthless, relentless edge associated with Europe’s elite sides. Beyond him, the rest of the squad has largely failed to provide enough goals – with Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze the only other Arsenal players to reach double figures this season.
Arsenal ended the season with 71 league goals – the lowest total for a Premier League champion since Leicester’s 68 in 2015/16. Consequently, improving their attacking threat has become a clear priority. Here, Mirror Football explores what Arsenal’s ideal first signing of the summer could be.
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Reports suggest Arsenal are weighing up a £100million move for Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez. It’s understood that Alvarez has informed Atletico of his desire to leave and while Barcelona is his preferred destination, Hansi Flick’s side are currently unable to meet their La Liga rivals’ £100m valuation due to financial constraints.
This situation has therefore opened the door for Arsenal, who are keen to bolster their attack with a versatile, high-energy forward. Alvarez, who spent two seasons at Manchester City, is capable of playing as a No. 9, as well as on either flank or in the No. 10 role.
Arsenal have been tracking the Argentina international, 26, for several years, with sporting director Andrea Berta previously overseeing his move to Atletico in 2024. Mikel Arteta is known to favour adaptable, high-intensity forwards and Alvarez fits that profile – combining clinical finishing with relentless pressing ability.
He has scored 20 goals in 49 appearances this season, following a 29-goal debut campaign at the Metropolitano Stadium. A signing of his quality would not only ease the scoring burden on Gyokeres but also add a more complete attacking dimension to Arsenal’s frontline.
However, the Gunners will need to act carefully. A £100m transfer for Alvarez would take up a significant portion of their summer budget and with Arteta also keen to strengthen at left wing, Arsenal may be forced to prioritise certain attacking areas over others.
Players such as Bradley Barcola and Nico Williams have also been linked with moves to the Emirates Stadium but – like Alvarez – any deal for either player would likely carry a similar £100m valuation.
With Financial Fair Play still a consideration and multiple areas of the squad under review, Arsenal’s recruitment team will need to strike a careful balance between immediate impact and long-term squad depth.
At the same time, competition for elite attacking talent across Europe remains intense, meaning hesitation could prove costly if rival top clubs enter the race later in the window. And with Alvarez already proven in the Premier League, a move for him would be well worth the price.
Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package

Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.


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