Arsenal Given £180m Transfer Green Light to Complete Four Deals This Week in Mikel Arteta Dream
Arsenal have been handed a significant boost in the transfer market as they receive a £180 million green light to push ahead with four key signings that could define their summer and reshape Mikel Arteta’s squad ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League season. With the Gunners narrowly missing out on the title in recent seasons, the north London club are now prepared to make a serious statement in the window, backing their manager with the funds required to turn potential into silverware.
Arteta’s Vision
Mikel Arteta has made no secret of his desire to build a squad that not only competes domestically but also makes a real impact in Europe. The Gunners returned to the Champions League in the 2023/24 season and showed promise, but ultimately fell short in their pursuit of continental glory. Now, with backing from the Arsenal board and owners Kroenke Sports & Entertainment (KSE), the club is poised to strengthen key areas of the squad with a focus on both quality and depth.
Arteta’s wish list is believed to include a central midfielder, a versatile defender, a wide forward, and a marquee striker — four positions that could transform Arsenal’s already strong core into a title-winning machine.
The £180m Green Light
Reports suggest Arsenal will have up to £180 million to spend this window, with some of that amount expected to be supplemented by player sales. The club has worked hard to balance its books and remain within Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations, and now has the flexibility to act aggressively in the market. With Champions League qualification secured and commercial revenue on the rise, there’s confidence that this summer will be Arsenal’s most ambitious in recent years.
The budget reflects not only a commitment to Arteta’s long-term project but also the urgency of turning promise into trophies. The window offers a rare opportunity to add world-class talent while keeping the spine of the squad intact.
Priority Targets
Among the four deals being pursued this week, several high-profile names have emerged as primary targets. Here’s how the £180 million could be allocated if Arsenal are successful in closing all four.
1. Victor Osimhen – Striker – £85m-£100m
The Napoli striker is reportedly top of Arsenal’s striker wishlist. Osimhen offers pace, physicality, and a lethal goal-scoring instinct — the kind of presence up front that Arsenal lacked in key moments last season. Although his release clause is believed to be over £100m, Napoli may be willing to negotiate, and Arsenal could structure a deal to stay within budget while still acquiring a marquee forward.
2. Martin Zubimendi – Midfield – £50m
The Real Sociedad midfielder has long been admired by Arteta, who sees Zubimendi as an ideal partner for Declan Rice. A composed deep-lying playmaker with defensive intelligence and tactical awareness, the Spaniard would offer balance and help control matches at the highest level. His release clause is reportedly set at £50m — a fee Arsenal are now in a position to trigger.
3. Jorrel Hato – Defender – £15m-£20m
Ajax wonderkid Jorrel Hato is one of Europe’s most sought-after young defenders. Able to play at both centre-back and left-back, Hato would bring versatility and youthful exuberance to Arsenal’s defensive options. With Jurrien Timber returning from injury, and William Saliba and Gabriel established as first-choice centre-backs, Hato would be a valuable rotation option with long-term potential.
4. Pedro Neto – Winger – £30m-£35m
Wolves winger Pedro Neto is another player Arsenal have tracked closely. His Premier League experience, technical skill, and ability to play on either flank make him a useful addition. Injuries have slowed his progress, but a fully fit Neto offers the kind of explosiveness Arteta values in wide positions. Wolves may be forced to sell due to financial pressure, making this a realistic deal to complete.
Player Sales and Squad Balance
To accommodate these signings, Arsenal are also expected to sanction several departures. The likes of Emile Smith Rowe, Eddie Nketiah, Kieran Tierney, and Nuno Tavares could be sold or loaned out, freeing up wages and generating additional funds. The Gunners are also listening to offers for fringe players like Albert Sambi Lokonga and Cedric Soares.
Crucially, Arsenal are not looking to overhaul the squad, but rather to fine-tune it. Arteta believes the club is close to a breakthrough and is prioritising players who are tactically adaptable and mentally aligned with the club’s goals.
Conclusion
With a £180 million war chest and a clear transfer strategy, Arsenal are entering the most decisive week of their summer. If they can land all four of their top targets, Mikel Arteta’s dream of a squad capable of conquering England and Europe could soon become a reality. The pressure is on, but so too is the promise of glory. Arsenal have laid the foundations — now it’s time to build the team that fi
nally brings the title back to the Emirates.
