Arsenal’s summer transfer window is heating up rapidly as the club reportedly lines up two major announcements to bolster Mikel Arteta’s squad ahead of a pivotal 2025/26 campaign. The Gunners, who pushed Manchester City all the way in the Premier League title race last season, appear determined not to rest on their laurels. Instead, they are moving aggressively in the market to add the quality and depth needed to finally lift the Premier League trophy after two decades of near-misses.
Central to the latest buzz is Viktor Gyokeres, the Swedish striker who has emerged as one of Europe’s most sought-after forwards following his prolific season with Sporting Lisbon. According to multiple reports, Gyokeres is set for a medical at Arsenal in the coming days, with the North London club ready to trigger his release clause — believed to be in the region of €100 million. If completed, this would represent one of the most significant signings of the summer window, both financially and in terms of statement of intent.
The 26-year-old has enjoyed a meteoric rise since leaving Coventry City for Sporting just a year ago. He has transformed himself into a fearsome presence up front, combining raw power with clever movement and clinical finishing. Last season, he racked up over 40 goals in all competitions, spearheading Sporting’s title challenge and earning plaudits for his relentless work rate and physical dominance.
Arsenal’s interest in Gyokeres is hardly surprising. The Gunners struggled at times last season to convert their dominance into goals, especially in tight matches where a ruthless finisher could have made the difference. Gabriel Jesus, while industrious and technically gifted, has not proven to be the consistent 20+ goal striker Arsenal fans have longed for. Adding Gyokeres could finally fill that void, offering Arteta a more traditional centre-forward who thrives on running behind defences and bullying centre-backs — qualities Arsenal arguably lack in their current attacking setup.
However, Gyokeres’ arrival is expected to be just one piece of the puzzle. Reports suggest that Arsenal are also putting the finishing touches on a second transfer which could be announced alongside the Swedish striker’s signing. While the identity of the second target has not been confirmed, there is strong speculation that it could be a defensive reinforcement or a versatile midfielder to add depth and balance to the squad.
Names like Bologna’s Riccardo Calafiori, who impressed in Serie A and at Euro 2024, and Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi have repeatedly been linked with the Gunners in recent weeks. Both players fit the profile of what Arteta values — technically adept, tactically intelligent, and comfortable playing out from the back or progressing the ball through midfield. Either would strengthen an area where Arsenal have occasionally looked light, especially when injuries struck key starters last season.
Arsenal’s proactive approach to this window shows a clear intention: close the marginal gap that kept them from dethroning City. The club’s hierarchy, led by sporting director Edu and manager Mikel Arteta, know that incremental improvements are no longer enough. The team’s evolution from top-four hopefuls to genuine title contenders has been remarkable, but this summer could define whether they stay in the conversation or take that final step to become champions again.
Beyond the pitch, big-name arrivals like Gyokeres send a signal to fans and rivals alike. Arsenal are no longer content to shop for potential alone; they want proven performers who can deliver immediately. The club’s financial muscle — strengthened by Champions League revenue and healthy commercial deals — has allowed them to flex their spending power in a way that seemed impossible just a few seasons ago.
Of course, questions will be asked about how Gyokeres will adapt to the Premier League’s physicality and pace, even if his time at Coventry offered him a taste of English football. But his development since then has been immense, and under Arteta’s meticulous coaching, many believe he could thrive. Moreover, the Swede’s pressing game and relentless energy make him a natural fit for Arsenal’s high-intensity style.
As the transfer window progresses, Arsenal supporters will be hoping that these moves are wrapped up swiftly to allow the new recruits to bed in during pre-season. Arteta has always stressed the importance of a full summer for new signings to understand his system and philosophy.
If the Gyokeres deal and the second mystery signing go through as expected, Arsenal will be sending an ominous message to their rivals: they mean business, and this time they are building not just to compete — but to win. The next few days could therefore mark a significant milestone in the Gunners’ relentless pursuit of domesti
c and European glory.
