Arsenal endured some late drama in the transfer window with no fewer than four players leaving on deadline day.
Gabriel Martinelli was the headline departure, joining Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal in a £60million sale — a club-record fee received by the Gunners. Elsewhere, Ethan Nwaneri joined Borussia Dortmund on loan while Fabio Vieira and Gabriel Jesus both left permanently.
It marked the end of what was an eventful window for the defending champions, with plenty of incomings and outgoings. But where does that leave them in terms of a title defence? Are Mikel Arteta’s men better equipped to retain their Premier League crown? Or have they made life more difficult for themselves?
Arsenal’s title defence preparations
What Arsenal lost
A lot of attacking talent left Arsenal during the course of the summer. The aforementioned quartet aside, the Gunners also completed the sale of Leandro Trossard to Besiktas in something of a shock move.
Trossard never quite managed to hold down a regular starting place at the Emirates Stadium. But he always made an impact regardless of his squad role. The Belgian was directly involved in 12 goals in the Premier League last season, scoring six and providing six assists. Some of those proved crucial to Arsenal’s title win. What’s more, his versatility playing across the forward line was invaluable during a hectic schedule.
All told, that’s a lot of firepower to leave north London when you factor in Jesus’ return to fitness to make an impact and Martinelli delivering well in the cups even when his Premier League numbers were modest.
Alongside the forwards, Arsenal sold Christian Norgaard to Everton after the Danish midfielder was unable to make a breakthrough. Jakub Kiwior made his loan move to Porto permanent and back-up goalkeeper Karl Hein joined Werder Bremen. Fellow shot-stopper Tommy Setford went to Stevenage on loan, and Reiss Nelson was released.
What Arsenal gained and current squad depth
Of course, Arsenal didn’t sit around and watch a mass exodus from the Emirates. In fact, they spent big as they attempt to retain a top-flight English title for the first time since the 1930s.
Christos Tzolis was signed early to replace Trossard. The Greece international was once an underwhelming failure at Norwich City, but he’s grown exponentially during his time with Belgian giants Club Brugge. He has made a promising start for the Gunners. Tzolis provided two assists in the Community Shield and has created a team-high four chances across Arsenal’s two Premier League games.
Ezri Konsa’s arrival from Aston Villa only adds to the elite defensive corps Arteta has at his disposal. And, when you factor in Piero Hincapie’s loan being made permanent, Arteta really can field an entire back four of centre-backs twice over.
But Arsenal’s standout summer signing has to be Bruno Guimaraes. The Brazilian has been among the Premier League’s best midfielders for some time now. Just last season, he registered 16 direct goal involvements across all competitions, with nine goals and seven assists. He was also first among Newcastle United players in the Premier League for shots on target (23), chances created (45) and tackles (62) — among a host of other key stats.
Arsenal are now equipped with another world-class two-way midfielder to play alongside Declan Rice if Arteta wants Martin Zubimendi to sit and control with dual-No.8d ahead of him. Or someone to take the strain off the overused England international when Martin Odegaard is favoured further forward.
As a footnote, Illan Meslier was also signed as a third-choice goalkeeper. However, he’s unlikely to be called upon with David Raya and Kepa Arrizabalaga sitting ahead of him.
Are Arsenal stronger in 2026/27?
Looking at the outgoings, Arsenal look to have improved even with the exodus. Gabriel Jesus is an ‘old’ 29-year-old given the fitness issues he has endured, while Leandro Trossard is 31 and moving past his prime. What’s more, Gabriel Martinelli was effective in the cups last season but utterly disappointing in the Premier League, registering just one goal and four assists in 30 appearances.
Arsenal have retained their two main striker options in Kai Havertz and Viktor Gyokeres. Meanwhile, the addition of Tzolis only gives Arteta more dynamism and tactical flexibility alongside versatile and technically gifted options like Eberechi Eze, Noni Madueke and Bukayo Saka.
In midfield, Arsenal are now equipped with elite options for multiple systems. Guimaraes, Rice, Zubimendi and Odegaard are able to thrive in 4-3-3 and 4-2-3-1 formations, among others. And that’s without mentioning Mikel Merino — who can play in midfield and moonlight as a No.9. Or youngsters Max Dowman and Myles Lewis-Skelly.
At the back, it almost feels like a dream summer for Arteta. The Spaniard has signed yet another centre-back in Konsa, while making Hincapie’s stay permanent. Arsenal can now press shuffle on their backline and field any of their options in almost any position. They also look set to remain the most physically dominant side in the league.
Perhaps an elite goalscorer wouldn’t have gone amiss if Arsenal wanted to truly blow teams away. But it never felt like the champions had to invest that heavily. Instead, they’ve made key tweaks in vital areas. And after winning each of their first three competitive games of the season without conceding a goal, more of the same looks inevitable.