It is yet another season when it looks likely that Arsenal will come up short in their goal to win the Premier League title.
Mikel Arteta’s side have left themselves with a mountain to climb at the summit following a run of inconsistent results, and there is no surprise that fans are already waving the white flag and the odds in Premier League betting sites are already looking grim for the Gunners.
There could still be hope of silverware in 2024-25, as the Gunners remain in the mix for Champions League glory, but a potential quarter final showdown against Real Madrid is far from a straightforward task.
Therefore, eyes are already switching to the summer transfer window, as Arsenal require major improvement in key areas if they are to renew their challenge and finally end a 20-year wait for a Premier League title. But, which players could be on Arsenal’s radar this summer?
Nico Williams
Arsenal were reportedly close to agreeing on a deal to bring Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams to the club last summer, and a return for the Spanish star looks likely in 2025. Compared to Liverpool and Manchester City, the Gunners have limited quality in the wide areas, with the exception of Bukayo Saka.
Therefore, Williams will be a first-team calibre player, who is capable of producing the big moments at key points. Williams has enjoyed another strong season with Bilbao this term, registering nine goal involvements in 24 matches.
Last season, he reached 16 goal involvements before playing a key role in Spain’s EURO 2024 success. He would represent a major improvement on the left wing, with Gabriel Martinelli once again blowing hot and cold throughout the season, and questions remaining over whether Leandro Trossard truly has the quality to feature in a title-challenging side.
Benjamin Sesko
A new striker is a must for Arsenal this summer, as it is an area of the field that has been costly to their title chances in 2024-25. The Gunners failed to improve their number nine options last summer, instead opting to bring in midfielder Mikel Merino.
The Spaniard has since been deployed in an unfamiliar position following injuries to Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz. Benjamin Sesko has been Arsenal’s top summer target since the winter, but the RB Leipzig striker’s signature isn’t going to come cheap.
The 21-year-old has scored ten goals in 25 Bundesliga appearances this season, and he looks on course to eclipse his tally of 14 in 2023-24.
He has also shown his ability in the Champions League this term, netting four goals in eight appearances in an otherwise forgettable campaign for the German side. The Gunners rank him as their top striker target, but moves for Alexander Isak and Victor Gyokeres can’t be ruled out if they fail to agree terms with Leipzig. However, Sesko is the club’s number one pick, as he will be more affordable than Isak, and fits the age profile that the club is looking for.
Joan Garcia
David Raya is undeniably Arsenal’s number one goalkeeper, but it is likely that the Gunners will be in the market for a second-choice stopper this summer. The club have reportedly shown an interest in the Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia.
The 23-year-old has been a key star for the Spanish side this season, playing 27 times in La Liga. Garcia already has a wealth of experience at the professional level, making over 40 appearances for Espanyol since making his debut in 2022.
He is also highly regarded in Spain after appearing at U17, U18, and U21 levels. However, Arsenal could face a fight to get a deal for the goalkeeper over the line, as they face competition from the likes of Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Barcelona.
Matheus Cunha
As well as scoring goals, creating chances has been a major issue for Arsenal throughout the season. Therefore, the Gunners will likely look to bring in a versatile attacker who can play anywhere across the forward line. Matheus Cunha is likely to be a player that the club will examine once again in the summer.
The Gunners fell short in their attempt to sign the Brazilian in the winter transfer window, as they couldn’t agree terms with Wolverhampton Wanderers. However, a deal could be more straightforward to accomplish in the summer, as the attacker has a release clause of around £60 million.
The former Atletico Madrid player has been the standout star for Wolves this season, netting a Premier League-high tally of 13 goals, and adding four assists for good measure. He has been the focal point of their survival bid, but a move away from the West Midlands looks extremely likely this summer.
His performances in 2024-25 have already been rewarded with international call-ups for Brazil, and he netted a first senior goal for the former world champions in a recent defeat against Argentina.