Arsenal have yet to confirm any new summer signings beyond Piero Hincapie's loan move being made permanent, but the Premier League champions are carefully assessing the market. Manager Mikel Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta are prioritizing a central midfielder, a left winger, a right back, and potentially a striker. However, external factors—including the ongoing World Cup and Manchester City's £116 million acquisition of Elliot Anderson—have inflated asking prices for key targets.
Morgan Rogers: £130m — 7.5/10
Morgan Rogers is Arsenal's primary attacking target this summer. The Gunners are pushing hard to secure the Aston Villa winger as they seek to strengthen their left flank, with the futures of Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard uncertain. According to Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal have made significant headway on the player's side. However, Aston Villa's eye-watering valuation of £130 million, given his multiple years remaining on his contract, presents a challenge. Chelsea's pursuit of the 23-year-old England international may also enable Villa to demand a club-record sum. Yet Arsenal are reportedly optimistic about finding a resolution, which could involve a deal with add-ons. Rogers would considerably improve Arsenal's attacking options, and a sensible valuation would make it a landmark signing.
Bradley Barcola: £116m — 5/10
Bradley Barcola is another name on Arteta's wish list, but the Paris Saint-Germain forward's astronomical price tag reflects an inflated market. The Athletic reports the winger is not available for transfer and PSG value him considerably higher than the £116 million City invested in Anderson. The 23-year-old's goalscoring exploits for France have also increased his market value. While his speed and skill would benefit Arsenal, Barcola at £116 million would not deliver the desired improvement on Martinelli. Combined with Liverpool's firm interest, a deal is unlikely. However, Barcola's continued hesitancy to commit to new terms might force PSG to reduce their asking price.
Bruno Guimaraes: £65m — 8/10
Arsenal had an informal bid of £45 million for Bruno Guimaraes rejected by Newcastle last week, but the offer was merely intended to gauge the Magpies' position. Guimaraes has been on Arteta's radar since the Spaniard took over in 2020. The Athletic FC podcast reports that Guimaraes is viewed internally at Arsenal as a stronger fit than Sandro Tonali—who is set to move to Tottenham for £100 million—to partner Declan Rice in midfield. Guimaraes is thought to be attainable for a more reasonable £65 million, making him a realistic and high-quality acquisition. The primary concern surrounds his age profile (28) and future resale value.
Alex Scott: £80m — 7/10
A younger option to Guimaraes is Bournemouth's Alex Scott. Transfers of Tonali and Anderson have driven up asking prices for Premier League midfielders, with the Cherries now reportedly valuing the 22-year-old at £80 million. Fabrizio Romano reports that Arsenal recently made contact with Bournemouth, but were informed he would be difficult to get as the Cherries don't need money and are offering Scott a new contract—possibly including a release clause. The Athletic FC podcast claims Arsenal are genuine admirers of the midfielder, with other leading clubs also interested. Scott would be a costly and difficult deal, but one with plenty of upside.
Christos Tzolis: £35m — 7.5/10
A less familiar name is Club Brugge winger Christos Tzolis. The BBC reports that the Gunners have been offered Tzolis, who would serve as an ideal squad addition similar to Trossard, should the Belgian be offloaded. The potential signing of the Greece international wouldn't influence whether Arsenal chase a deal for Rogers or an alternative option. Tzolis may be obtainable for around £35 million—a record fee for a Belgian Pro League player. The 24-year-old is believed to be keen to join Arsenal, providing additional edge as they aim to complete the transfer.
Kerim Alajbegovic: £18m — 6/10
Football.london reports Arsenal have contacted Kerim Alajbegovic's representatives to explore a potential move. Alajbegovic, who turns 19 in September, scored 13 goals for Red Bull Salzburg last season before returning to Bayer Leverkusen via a £7 million buy-back clause. He signed a five-year contract with Leverkusen, but his future remains unclear. Arsenal should not spend heavily on the teenager, given his lack of top-level experience. Transfermarkt values him at £18 million. Should they prioritize the winger, the Gunners could use their good relationship with Leverkusen to secure him on the cheap.
