Arsenal transfer targets: Who the Gunners are looking to sign this summer

Arsenal's improvement under Mikel Arteta is undeniable, but now they must figure out how to make the final leap.

The Gunners recorded their highest Premier League points tally since the Invincibles campaign of 2003/04 last season having enjoyed a 25-point hike in 2022/23 from the campaign prior. Arsenal's evolution has been pretty remarkable, with the club's recruitment playing a key role in their rise under the Spaniard.

Edu and Arteta's work on the transfer front has got Arsenal into a position where they can compete fiercely with Manchester City, but there's still work to be done if they're to usurp them in 2024/25 - potentially Pep Guardiola's final season in the Premier League.

The Gunners' squad is strong and Arteta was reliant on a select few down the stretch last season, but they have still identified areas for improvement in the market.

Positions Arsenal need to strengthen this summer

Striker was the overwhelming priority in the winter window, but Arsenal's financial constraints meant their hands were tied. Fortunately, Kai Havertz emerged during the second half of the season as a legitimate option up top for Arteta, with the German's productive run of form begging the question of whether the Gunners' summer priorities had shifted.

Arsenal are no longer expected to acquire a number nine this summer, with the club backing Havertz and Gabriel Jesus to produce enough in the opposition penalty area.

The Gunners identified their midfield as an area to bolster and have recently added to their impressive options in the centre of the pitch.

Cover will be required behind David Raya if Aaron Ramsdale departs as expected. A move for a left-sided defender was explored in January and Arsenal have already addressed that particular area in the market this summer.

Arsenal's confirmed transfer targets

It seemed as if Arsenal were going to prioritise a move for a striker at the start of the summer window, but links to forwards have been far and few between since they missed out on Benjamin Sesko before Euro 2024.

Arsenal wrapped up the signing of Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori early doors, with the Italian providing some much-needed depth behind centre-backs Gabriel and William Saliba. The 22-year-old can play left-back, too.

After bringing in Calafiori, it appeared that Arsenal would make a move for Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi, but they instead recruited the Spaniard's teammate and fellow Euro 2024 winner Mikel Merino.

An agreement is in place for Espanyol's Joan Garcia to join the club as Ramsdale's replacement.

Arsenal transfer rumours

• Arsenal are interested in signing Liverpool forward Darwin Nunez, who is keen to work under Mikel Arteta. The Uruguay international is available for the right price. (Date: 29 August; Source: AFCAMDEN)

• Liverpool have set an asking price of at least €110m (£92.6m) for Nunez in the wake of Arsenal's interest. (Date: 29 August; Source: Fichajes - Spain)

• Arsenal have considered a move for Brighton & Hove Albion's Simon Adingra in their search for a new forward this summer. (Date: 28 August; Source: football.london)

• Premier League title rivals Arsenal and Manchester City could both make late plays to sign Brighton & Hove Albion striker Evan Ferguson. (Date: 27 August; Source: Football Transfers)

• Arsenal forward Eddie Nketiah is closing in on a £30m switch to Crystal Palace after moves to Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest fell through. (Date: 27 August; Source: David Ornstein)

• Liverpool could make an offer for Lille striker Jonathan David, who is valued at around £45m, but expect rival competition from Arsenal, Chelsea, Aston Villa and Napoli. (Date: 26 August; Source: CaughtOffside)

• Sporting CP officials are growing increasingly concerned that Arsenal, Chelsea or Paris Saint-Germain could trigger the €100m (£84.7m) release clause in the contract of striker Viktor Gyokeres. (Date: 26 August; Source: Correio da Manha - Portugal)

• Arsenal are among the sides tracking Club Brugge winger Andreas Skov Olsen, 24. (Date: 26 August; Source: CaughtOffside)

• One player likely not moving this summer is Nico Williams, with Arsenal giving up in pursuit of their top transfer target. (Date: 24 August; Source: Independent)

• Arsenal are ready to offer Atalanta £42.5m plus Jakub Kiwior in a swap deal for winger Ademola Lookman, who is valued at closer to £59.5m. Liverpool have also enquired about the 26-year-old. (Date: 22 August; Source: Alfredo Pedulla)

Who Arsenal could sell this summer

Arsenal are unlikely to be as restrained this summer as they were in January, but with Arteta keen to streamline his squad, the Gunners have overseen a clear-out.

Veterans Cedric Soares and Mohamed Elneny have already moved on, while Nuno Tavares and Albert Sambi Lokonga have joined Lazio and Sevilla on loan respectively. Kieran Tierney could still leave on a temporary basis this summer having picked up an injury at Euro 2024.

Emile Smith Rowe has joined west London outfit Fulham in a £34m move, while fellow Hale End graduates Eddie Nketiah and Reiss Nelson are also on the chopping block. Nketiah is close to a Crystal Palace move.

Calafiori's arrival may leave Jakub Kiwior as surplus to requirements, while Thomas Partey and Aaron Ramsdale could move on before the end of the window. Fabio Vieira has returned to Porto on loan.

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