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Arsenal 2026 Transfer DealSheet: The latest plans for the summer window
As the season approached its climax, Arsenal co-chair Josh Kroenke was increasingly present in north London.
While there was naturally a focus on the run-in, there was also time for strategic conversations with manager Mikel Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta. What would be the next stage in the evolution of Arsenal’s squad?
In those discussions, Arteta and Berta emphasised that any silverware must be a beginning, not an end. They pointed to previous title-winners who have failed to capitalise on their position by investing, and regressed.
In Kroenke, they found a receptive listener. “We’re going to look to strengthen because we know that teams around us are going to get better,” Arsenal’s co-chair told The Athletic. “If you’re not trying to continually evolve and improve, you’re standing still.”
Those sentiments were echoed by chief executive Richard Garlick on Monday.
“Our mindset is always forward, if you stand still, you go backwards,” Garlick told the BBC Radio 4’s Today programme. “There’s going to be further investment in the squad. We’re not going to sit here and just accept winning one trophy, we want to win major trophies now and in the future.”
Sustaining success will require Arsenal to improve their player trading. Arsenal dispute the idea that they need to sell this summer — they say they want to sell, in order to reinvest.
“We talk at the club around the strategy of winning financially,” Garlick told Today. “We want to generate more revenue so we can invest it back into the squad, in relation to the playing staff, men’s and women’s team, the facilities. It is a challenge.”
As soon as Arsenal’s season was complete, Arteta’s focus turned to the summer.
“We start to make some very important decisions if we want to reach another level,” the Arsenal manager told his post-match press conference after the Champions League final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain. “And we’re going to have to show that ambition because we are more than capable of doing it, but it’s going to demand to be very, very ambitious, very fast and very smart.”
Ambitious, fast, smart — that is the Arsenal that Arteta hopes to see in this window. With a new contract due to be discussed, and the Premier League trophy in the bag, the manager’s view will carry more clout than ever.
The information found within this article has been gathered according to The Athletic’s sourcing guidelines. Sources with knowledge of transfer dealings, who asked to be kept anonymous to protect relationships, have been spoken to before offering the clubs involved the opportunity to comment.
Who will make key decisions this window?
Arsenal’s recruitment will be spearheaded by Berta and Arteta. Arsenal view their relationship as a partnership, but from a technical perspective, it’s Arteta’s view that will carry most weight.
Berta sees his role as delivering Arteta the best squad possible, according to the manager’s specifications, all while operating within the financial parameters set out by the club.
Arsenal’s approach to the window will be debated by the club’s football leadership team. That includes Arteta, Berta, Garlick, director of football operations James King, and Josh Kroenke.
The leadership committee are also expected to have a new arrival this summer, with Arsenal pursuing the appointment of an academy manager to replace Per Mertesacker.
Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta (Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
What positions will they be looking at in the summer window?
The left wing has been a potential position to upgrade for some time. It is expected to be a priority this summer.
In the weeks leading up to the window, recruitment staff had also intimated they would be looking for a No 6/No 8 central midfielder and studying options in both full-back positions. It remains to be seen how the recent resurgence of Myles Lewis-Skelly might impact these plans.
Although less of an obvious need, the No 9 position has also featured in discussions. The expected departure of Gabriel Jesus could create an opening for a different profile of centre-forward.
What is the manager’s priority?
After the Champions League final, Arteta spoke glowingly of PSG. “They are, in my opinion, the best team in the world. What they are able to do with the ball, with individual actions, I haven’t seen.”
Arteta now wants to add some of those “individual actions” to Arsenal by recruiting highly-skilled, game-changing talent.
Are there any specific players they are targeting?
The identity of at least one summer signing is already known: Arsenal will complete a permanent deal for on-loan defender Piero Hincapie.
The package will total €52million — with Bayer Leverkusen also granted a 10 per cent sell-on clause. The terms of a five-year contract for the Ecuador international are already agreed.
With Arsenal sailing close to the regulatory wind last summer, the club brokered a deal with Leverkusen which was ostensibly a loan with option to buy. That meant the fee for a permanent deal would be filed under summer 2026, rather than 2025.
At the same time, both Arsenal and Leverkusen were granted the authority to trigger a permanent deal. While it appeared to be an “option”, both clubs were in agreement that the permanent transfer would be completed.
Outside of Hincapie, it is difficult to be certain of Arsenal’s intentions at this early stage. Berta’s approach to the market is to explore different potential deals, before presenting them back to the leadership team.
Arsenal are also conscious that their plans could be impacted by player sales. There is not simply a ‘Plan A’ — Arsenal have a multi-faceted, flexible approach to the market.
Arsenal are one of several leading Premier League clubs that have asked to be kept informed of developments regarding Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers.
There is also interest in Eli Junior Kroupi, the 19-year-old Bournemouth forward. Other attackers Arsenal admire include Champions League final opponent Bradley Barcola and Ajax winger Mika Godts.
Arsenal are among the clubs interested in Morgan Rogers (Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
At right-back, Arsenal are fans of Newcastle United’s Tino Livramento, although there are concerns over his injury record. Ivan Fresneda of Sporting CP is another one of several names being followed.
On the other side of defence, Arsenal are following Eintracht Frankfurt’s German international Nathaniel Brown. The 22-year-old is a versatile player who can play all along the left flank. Frankfurt and Arsenal are among the clubs interested in Real Madrid’s 19-year-old defender Victor Valdepenas.
Although not an urgent priority, Arsenal continue to look for a long-term successor to Gabriel. RB Leipzig’s Castello Lukeba is one of the centre-backs Arsenal are monitoring.
Arteta remains a huge admirer of Julian Alvarez, although Barcelona seem to be making the early running for the Atletico Madrid forward.
Arsenal’s drive to recruit young emerging talent continues. Having already recruited the likes of Irish teenager Victor Ozhianvuna, 17, and highly-rated Ecuador youth internationals Edwin and Holger Quintero, 16, the club are pursuing a deal for Leicester City’s 16-year-old winger Jeremy Monga.
With Monga due to sign professional terms with Leicester this summer, it’s thought the England U-19 international could command a fee in the region of £10-15million. It would represent a considerable investment — but Arsenal’s owners are enthused about the prospect of signing young players with room to develop and increase in value.
Who will they be looking to sell?
For a club in Arsenal’s position — with ambitions to win the game’s biggest prizes, while remaining financially responsible and sustainable — player trading is essential.
From January onwards, Berta has been actively exploring potential sales. Arsenal hope that becoming champions will help them drive premium prices for any outgoing talent.
At present, not many of those potential departures have developed. Arsenal’s players have naturally been fully focused on delivering success this season, with some even instructing their agents not to discuss their future until the season was complete.
One player earmarked for a possible transfer is Jesus, with David Ornstein reporting that Arsenal are demanding up to £20m for the Brazilian forward.
Arsenal also face a decision on his compatriot Gabriel Martinelli. The winger has one year remaining on his contract. While the club does have the option to extend until 2028, they typically prefer to address contract issues before reaching that point. It looks as if Arsenal will have to determine this summer whether to sell or extend the 24-year-old’s deal.
Leandro Trossard is in a similar position: Arsenal adjusted his contract to improve his salary last summer, but his deal is still set to expire in just over 12 months’ time.
Could Leandro Trossard be on the move? (Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Ethan Nwaneri, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Marseille, could be considered a potential sale. As an academy player, any fee received would be booked entirely as profit. Lewis-Skelly was seemingly at risk, but has now reasserted himself as an option in midfield.
As for Fabio Vieira, who spent last year on loan at Hamburg, the German club want to bring him back and are looking into re-negotiating the price for a permanent deal, which is believed to be worth around €20m. The Portuguese midfielder is keen to stay at the Bundesliga club.
Arsenal will listen to offers for Christian Norgaard. Although a valued and influential member of the squad, he has struggled for game time in the Premier League and Champions League.
Arsenal may also face a situation in the goalkeeping department. When they signed Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea last summer, a release clause was inserted into the deal, which allows the 31-year-old to leave if Arsenal recoup the £5m they paid for him. Arrizabalaga has enjoyed his year in north London, but if a compelling offer to be a No 1 elsewhere presents itself, Arsenal may need to enter the goalkeeping market once again.
While there has been considerable speculation around Ben White, there is no clear decision on his future as yet.
Reiss Nelson has returned from his loan at Brentford and is expected to be sold.
Academy full-back Josh Nichols, 19, has announced his impending departure from the club, and is set to join Croatian club NK Kustosija.
What moves have they made already?
Porto have already triggered a permanent deal for Jakub Kiwior. The Portuguese champions will pay €17m (£14.7m; $19.9m) plus up to €5m in add-ons.
With a deal structured similarly to the Hincapie loan, the fee for Kiwior will be accounted for this summer. Arsenal will also be due a further €2m from Kiwior’s next move.
What sort of budget do they have and what is their SCR position?
Building the squad which landed the Premier League title was an expensive exercise. Arsenal spent £268m net in summer 2025, increasing the wage bill and paying out significant bonuses for the title win.
The huge prize money they have recouped has gone some way towards offsetting that. The Athletic estimates that across 2025-26, Arsenal could become the first Premier League club to surpass £300 million in TV revenue.
The Athletic understands Arsenal have the capacity to spend and remain compliant, but not at the levels of last summer. In the current regulatory environment, healthy sales could hold the key to unlocking Arsenal’s capacity to invest heavily.
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Sports
Steven Sessegnon exclusive: The twin brother of Fulham’s Ryan rebuilding at AFC Wimbledon after ‘tough’ period at Wigan | Football News
Steven and Ryan Sessegnon walked out at Craven Cottage side by side, each holding their daughters, last month.
The twins had made their way through Fulham’s academy together and played in the first team together on a handful of occasions – but that night, they played against one another for the first time ever.
It was a special moment; a full-circle moment.
In any of the previous three seasons, a game like this would have been a perfect chance for a family reunion, as Steven had been living in Manchester for three years while playing for Wigan.
But now he’s back home. And not just ‘home’ in terms of being back in south-west London. Properly back home.
He points ahead as he speaks to Sky Sports on a terrace at the Dons’ training ground in New Malden. “We used to play academy games literally across this grass.”
He points to the left. “I spent time at Coombe Boys School, which is five minutes up the road.”
Fulham’s Motspur Park training ground is six minutes’ drive away. There, his nephew Kayden is part of the U18 squad.
“It’s really wholesome to be back,” says Sessegnon. “It helps massively being around family.
“I get to see my older brothers, my nieces, my nephews and I see my brother [Ryan] a few times a week.
“We play at two different levels, so there isn’t too much to speak about as if we were in the same league, but we catch up on life, being dads, being providers, being men in our families and what the future looks like.”
Sessegnon’s return home has come at an important point in his career.
In his first season at Wigan in 2023/24, he played 29 games in all competitions. In his second, he suffered calf and knee injuries, before not playing again from January 4 2025.
At the start of his third, Gary Caldwell, who had replaced Ryan Lowe in February 2025, placed him on the transfer list.
“Things happen fast in football,” Sessegnon says. “When I was put on the transfer list, I was told I wasn’t going to play and I didn’t go on the pre-season trip – but I ended up starting the first game of the season through injuries or lack of availability, and I thought I did well.
Sessegnon signed a two-year deal at AFC Wimbledon in June
“It’s fair game, it’s part of it. The manager came in, the club wanted to go in a different direction. As long as everyone can come out of it happy and people can move onto clubs they know they can do well at, there’s no problem with it.”
A move away did not materialise so, on the few occasions Caldwell did select him, he was deployed at centre-back, where he had never played before.
“It was tough. Very, very tough. I felt like I could contribute to a team, but didn’t really have the trust or belief behind me to do it.
“But as much as I could say I didn’t have the proper backing to be in my own position, I was still given a chance to play football. It was down to me and it just never happened.
“There was no issue with anyone else apart from myself. I learned a lot there, a lot I can take with me for the rest of my career. It was a learning curve.
“The biggest thing was professionalism. Even in the worst stages of when I wasn’t playing and I was told I wasn’t going to be a part of it, I could still carry myself and be the best possible person.
The 26-year-old made only 20 League One starts across the last two seasons at Wigan
“I felt I owed it to myself to show people I was still a very good trainer, a very good player and I think that helped me stick around longer than they probably wanted me to.”
Sessegnon was released by the Latics in the summer and joined AFC Wimbledon on a two-year contract, with the option for a further 12 months, on June 25.
“I was preparing to go on holiday with my family and I got a call. As soon as they said Wimbledon, local, I said ‘let’s get it sorted’,” he recalls.
“But it was also about the position I would play, how the gaffer [Johnnie Jackson] set it out. It wasn’t complicated. I knew I could come in and, if I could get minutes, I would show my ability.”
Sessegnon’s first Dons appearance came on August 8 against Newport in the Carabao Cup, almost six months after his last competitive game for Wigan. He looks in genuine disbelief when he hears that.
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Highlights of the Sky Bet League One match between Bromley and AFC Wimbledon
His full league debut came on September 7, in a 2-0 Sky Bet League One win over Bromley. He has had to bide his time, but he understands why.
“It’s like injuries, you have a bit of anxiousness about getting going again, but I had the pre-season and here at Wimbledon, they looked after me very well. The gaffer has looked after me very well and communicated very well with me.
“In my head I wanted to start and play as many games as I could, but coming off the bench a few times has probably benefitted me to get to grips with football again.
“It’s probably the simplest football I’ve played in my career, but the most effective. We’re able to create chances, I’m able to get the ball high up the pitch.
“It’s not overthought, and I think it brings the best out of the whole squad and definitely myself. I’ve enjoyed it so far and it takes the pressure off the whole squad; we know we can create chances, we just have to be solid.”
The Dons have certainly been solid, with five clean sheets from seven games so far – the joint-most in the Sky Bet EFL.
They are four points behind leaders Bradford going into Saturday’s trip to Cambridge – which is live on Sky Sports+ – despite having only scored five goals so far.
Saturday 26th September 2:50pm
Kick off 3:00pm
That said, they are still among the bookmakers’ favourites to be relegated this season.
But now, back on home soil, Sessegnon has the chance to help AFC Wimbledon defy the odds again, just around the corner from where it all began.
Watch Cambridge vs AFC Wimbledon live on Sky Sports+ on Saturday; kick-off 3pm.
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Sports
Luis Binks: ‘Scotland was always the one for me’ – Brondby defender determined to make mark in first squad | Football News
“I’ve wanted to play for Scotland for years, and now the opportunity has come. I’m just really proud.”
Defender Luis Binks has played at under-21 level for both Scotland and England, but insisted he did not hesitate when new head coach Sebastien Pocognoli said he wanted him in his first squad.
The Brondby captain is one of six players handed their first full call-ups for the Nations League games against Slovenia, North Macedonia and Switzerland.
Pocognoli has said he will not beg players to choose Scotland, something the 25-year-old agrees with.
“I think if he had to try and convince me, convince anyone, it’s probably not the right thing for the player,” Binks told Sky Sports News.
“I didn’t need any convincing; I was available.
“I wanted to play for Scotland. I’ve wanted to play for Scotland for years and now the opportunity has come, I’m just really proud.
Robbie Ure (L) and Luis Binks are two of the new faces in the Scotland squad
“It’s where you feel your heart is and where you want to go. This was the route I wanted to take.”
It is a new-look Scotland under Pocognoli with 12 players who were in Steve Clarke’s final squad for the World Cup missing out, only Scott McTominay, Lawrence Shankland and Che Adams through injury.
And while it’s a new environment for Binks, there are some familiar faces within the camp.
“It was a few years ago that I was with Aaron Hickey in Bologna and he got called up while we were there.
Aaron Hickey has 22 caps for Scotland
“I could play for the 21s at the time and nothing ever coming up but it was always, Scotland was always the one for me that I wanted to go and play for.
“Going back years ago, under 16s when I went away with Scotland, the vibe was just so good.
“It felt like a proper team, it was just normal lads and you felt like you were playing with your mates so I knew there was always that feeling around it. I wanted to go and be a part of that again.”
The Pocognoli era officially gets underway in Ljubljana on Saturday, with a game against Switzerland at Hampden Park three days later.
The squad then fly to North Macedonia on October 3 before returning to Glasgow to face Slovenia again on October 6.
The Scotland players are training in La Manga ahead of their Nations League opener
Scotland were demoted from Nations League A after a play-off defeat by Greece last year and return to the second tier for this year’s competition.
“Obviously we want to get to the A group of the Nations League but there are a lot of new faces, a lot of new management, new ways of playing,” Binks added.
“I know what it’s like because I’ve got a new manager at my club now and it’s taking a bit of time so I imagine it’s the same sort of process here.
“It’s just about getting the players on board and buying into everything the manager wants to do.
“It’s been early days, but I think everyone is fully on board and believes in what we can do as a country.”
Scotland squad in full:
Goalkeepers: Scott Bain (Falkirk), Angus Gunn (San Jose Earthquakes), Liam Kelly (Rangers), Jon McCracken (Bradford City)
Defenders: Luis Binks (Brondby), Josh Doig (Sassuolo), Colby Donovan (Celtic), Luke Graham (Stoke City), Jack Hendry (Al-Ettifaq), Aaron Hickey (Brentford), Scott McKenna (Dinamo Zagreb), Nathan Patterson (Torino), Andy Robertson (Tottenham), Stephen Welsh (Swansea City)
Midfielders: Ryan Christie (Bournemouth), Lewis Ferguson (Bologna), Billy Gilmour (Napoli), John McGinn (Aston Villa), Josh McPake (Hearts), Lennon Miller (Udinese), Kristie Montgomery (Blackburn Rovers)
Forwards: Kieron Bowie (Sassuolo), Findlay Curtis (Rangers), Ben Gannon-Doak (Bournemouth), Oli McBurnie (Hull City), Robbie Ure (Sevilla), James Wilson (Hearts)
Scotland’s Nations League fixtures
Slovenia vs Scotland – September 26, kick-off 2pm
Scotland vs Switzerland – September 29, kick-off 7.45pm
N. Macedonia vs Scotland – October 3, kick-off 7.45pm
Scotland vs Slovenia – October 6, kick-off 7.45pm
Scotland vs N. Macedonia – November 13, kick-off 7.45pm
Switzerland vs Scotland – November 16, kick-off 7.45pm
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Sports
Lucas Roehrig: Rising cruiserweight talent signs with Zuffa Boxing and will fight on Sky Sports | Boxing News
Lucas Roehrig has signed a promotional deal with Zuffa Boxing and will fight on Sky Sports.
The cruiserweight talent, only 23 years old, has impressed in his rise through the cruiserweight ranks.
He will fight next on Zuffa Boxing 12 at the Copper Box Arena on November 7, live on Sky Sports.
His trainer and mentor is former world champion George Groves. Roehrig has been flawless so far in his professional career.
The young Londoner has won nine fights, never been defeated and has taken five of those wins inside the distance.
Roehrig made his pro debut in 2024, halting former English champion Joel McIntyre in three rounds.
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George Groves discusses his fighter Lucas Roehrig signing for Zuffa boxing and why we should be excited for his career.
Last year he shut out American prospect Brian Jones over six rounds. From then on, he’s continued to box and beat opponents with winning records.
His last two fights have been consecutive stoppage victories, over Adam Kolarik and Faton Tolaj, at York Hall.
“I’m really excited. This is a new chapter for me,” Roehrig told Sky Sports News. “Zuffa have come onto the scene and made a big splash, and for where I’m at in my career right now, that’s exactly what I want to do too.
“I’ve been through the levels. I’ve boxed on Sky shows and on other channels, but I’ve also boxed on the small hall shows – I haven’t skipped a step.
“I think now is the perfect platform, perfect time to fight other prospects – Zuffa have a lot of other undefeated fighters – for me to really make some noise not just in the UK but internationally too.”
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George Groves’ boxing protégé Lucas Roehrig picks up the knockout win! But was the first knockdown controversial?
Roehrig is now joining a promotional powerhouse that has a strong cruiserweight stable, including Jai Opetaia, Chris Billam-Smith, Ryan Rozicki and more.
“I’ve said numerous times that I’m aiming for world titles, that’s the main goal, that’s why I work so hard and that’s why we’re going to be taking risks,” Roehrig said.
“Our first fight will be November 7. Make a splash, and then from there keep building. There’s other belts that I’d love to collect along the way, but the Zuffa belt and the world titles are the end goal.”
Zuffa Boxing 11, headlined by Johnny Fisher vs Michael Pirotton, takes place this Saturday live on Sky Sports.
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