For the first time in more than two decades, Arsenal head into a summer transfer window as Premier League champions. Mikel Arteta’s long-term project finally delivered the ultimate reward in 2025-26, ending the club’s 22-year wait for a league title and establishing the Gunners as the team to beat in England.
Winning the title, however, creates a new challenge. Arsenal are no longer building toward success, they are now expected to defend it. With a squad packed with talent following significant investment over the last two years, difficult decisions must now be made as Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta look to refresh the group while maintaining the standards that brought championship glory.
Several departures have already been confirmed, but more exits are expected as Arsenal pursue further reinforcements ahead of what could be another demanding campaign across multiple competitions.
Arsenal’s Title-Winning Squad Faces Summer Changes
The Gunners invested heavily to build a squad capable of competing on every front, and that depth proved crucial during their championship-winning season.
Unlike previous years when injuries exposed weaknesses, Arsenal often had two high-quality starting lineups available throughout the campaign. While that depth helped secure the title, it also created challenges in terms of squad management and player satisfaction.
Goalkeeper Karl Hein, defender Jakub Kiwior and right-back Joshua Nichols have already left the club, but they may not be the last players to depart this summer.
Arsenal are expected to trim the squad further to create space for new arrivals and maintain financial flexibility.
| Confirmed Departures | Position |
|---|---|
| Karl Hein | Goalkeeper |
| Jakub Kiwior | Defender |
| Joshua Nichols | Defender |
Left Wing Could Be the Biggest Area of Change
One of the most surprising transfer stories of the summer involves Arsenal’s attacking department.
Despite winning the league, the club is reportedly exploring major upgrades on the left side of attack. Both Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli have been linked with potential exits as Arsenal pursue elite-level additions.
AC Milan star Rafael Leao has reportedly made himself available for a move to England, while Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola is also high on Arsenal’s shortlist.
Barcola’s rapid development and explosive pace make him an attractive option, while Leao would add physicality, creativity and proven experience at the highest level.
The fact that Arsenal are targeting such high-profile players suggests Arteta believes there is still room for improvement despite lifting the Premier League trophy.
Arsenal’s Left-Wing Options
| Player | Status |
|---|---|
| Gabriel Martinelli | Future Uncertain |
| Leandro Trossard | Potential Departure |
| Bradley Barcola | Transfer Target |
| Rafael Leao | Transfer Target |
Is Arsenal Preparing for Life After Martin Odegaard?
Perhaps the most intriguing development surrounds club captain Martin Odegaard.
The Norwegian remains one of Arsenal’s most influential players, but reports linking the club with attacking midfielders Morgan Gibbs-White and Morgan Rogers have raised questions about the future structure of Arteta’s midfield.
Whether Arsenal are planning for eventual succession or simply seeking additional creativity remains unclear.
Either way, the club appears determined to add more attacking options between midfield and attack.
At the same time, Arsenal may also look for a younger central midfielder capable of gradually replacing some of the squad’s more experienced players.
While Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi remain central to the team’s plans, long-term succession planning is becoming increasingly important.
Midfield Core Arsenal Should Keep
- Martin Odegaard
- Declan Rice
- Martin Zubimendi
- Eberechi Eze
- Ethan Nwaneri
Potential Midfield Targets
- Morgan Gibbs-White
- Morgan Rogers
- Emerging No. 6 options
- Young box-to-box midfielders
The Right-Back Situation Could Force a Difficult Decision
While Arsenal’s attack and midfield continue to attract headlines, the right side of defense may become one of the most important issues Arteta must address this summer.
Ben White has been a key player throughout Arsenal’s rise under Arteta, but recurring injury problems have become a growing concern. The England international will turn 29 later this year, and questions about long-term durability are beginning to emerge.
Reports suggest that rival Premier League clubs are monitoring White’s situation, while Arsenal are evaluating younger alternatives.
Two names frequently linked with the club are Ivan Fresneda and Tino Livramento, both of whom fit Arsenal’s profile of technically gifted, attack-minded full-backs.
If a suitable offer arrives for White, Arsenal could face one of their toughest transfer decisions of the summer.
Right-Back Options
| Player | Outlook |
|---|---|
| Ben White | Future Uncertain |
| Jurrien Timber | Key Starter |
| Ivan Fresneda | Target |
| Tino Livramento | Target |
Players Arsenal Should Keep and Players Who Could Leave
Arsenal’s title-winning squad remains one of the strongest in Europe, meaning major changes are unlikely.
However, several players could find themselves available if the right offers arrive.
Keep
- William Saliba
- Gabriel Magalhaes
- Declan Rice
- Martin Odegaard
- Bukayo Saka
- Martin Zubimendi
- Jurrien Timber
- Viktor Gyokeres
- Ethan Nwaneri
Potential Sales
- Leandro Trossard
- Gabriel Martinelli
- Fabio Vieira
- Reiss Nelson
- Ben White (depending on offers)
Match/Event Summary
Arsenal enter the 2026 summer transfer window as reigning Premier League champions after Mikel Arteta successfully completed the club’s long-term rebuilding project. While the core of the squad remains intact, several areas are expected to be strengthened, particularly on the left wing, in midfield, and potentially at right-back.
The departures of fringe players have already begun, and further sales could be necessary to create space for new signings and maintain squad balance.
Final Thoughts
Champions rarely stand still, and Arsenal appear determined to avoid complacency after their historic title-winning campaign.
Arteta has assembled one of the deepest squads in Europe, but the demands of defending a Premier League crown and competing in the Champions League require constant evolution.
The decisions made this summer may not be as dramatic as previous rebuilds, but they could prove just as important in determining whether Arsenal remain at the summit of English football.
Key Takeaways
- Arsenal enter the summer as Premier League champions for the first time since 2004.
- Karl Hein, Jakub Kiwior and Joshua Nichols have already departed.
- Arsenal are targeting elite left-wing reinforcements.
- Bradley Barcola and Rafael Leao are among the leading attacking targets.
- Questions remain regarding the futures of Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard.
- The club may add creative midfield options despite Martin Odegaard’s importance.
- Ben White’s injury record could force Arsenal to consider alternatives at right-back.
- Mikel Arteta is focused on strengthening a squad already capable of winning major trophies.
