Since Jan is passed I figured it would make sense to setup a new thread. State of the current roster (as of 4/30/26) GK - Starter strong, backup (Kepa) iffy. CB - Strong LB - Ability strong, health poor RB - Ability strong, health poor CM/DM - Starters strong, trusted backup/rotation needed AM - Strong but inconsistent LW - Needs something RW - Strong but inconsistent ST - Hard to fully evaluate with Havertz out most of the season and the tactics not playing up to VGs strengths Likely 26/27 needs..... LB, RB, LW, CM/DM..... biggest need..... rotational depth and the stars regaining form Mokbel says FB, CM, LW 🚨 Arsenal’s recruitment team are set to target a versatile full-back, a central midfielder & left-winger. While the plan for the summer is in place, the club are aware they may also need to react to market conditions & opportunities when they arise. [@SamiMokbel_BBC]— afcstuff (@afcstuff) April 9, 2026 Majority of Arsenal rumors (sketchy & legit) for the last couple months point mostly at FBs but a few mentions of CM, LW & ST.
Here's what I think I would do..... Formation/Tactics - Would not completely abandon the 4-3-3 but I think we need to situational shift to a narrow 4-2-3-1 with a double pivot base. We've been doing this some the last month or so already. GK - Stand pat with Raya, get rid of Kepa, let Setford take over as "cup GK" and backup. With Raya being 30, it would be ideal to start training up his potential replacement. Would also be nice to be able to give him a rest occasionally. CB - Stick with what you got. Saliba & Gabi start. Mos & Cala provide rotation. If the right offer came I would consider moving Gabi (age + huge boost for PSR/FFP) and move Cala inside permanently. It's a risk but one that could pay off. LB - Sign a new LB (Araujo, Carreras) that is more traditional B2B FB/WB. RB - Sell White. Sign a new RB (Mingueza) that is more traditional B2B FB/WB. DM/CM - Rice & Zubi remain starters. Need some rotation so they aren't both playing 3000+ min next year. If we aren't gonna use Norgaard, I would sell him. May not be a popular opinion and a bit risky but I would be inclined to see if we can solve the rotation needs with MLS & Merino + the occasional offensive lineup where one of Rice/Zubi plays behind 2 AMs. If we buy someone, I would go young, relatively inexpensive that can be the future MF partner to MLS (Bouaddi, Larsson, Bergvall, Gray). AM - Bring back Nwaneri and run with MO, Eze, Kai & Ethan. Occasionally run 2 AMs to produce more offense, rest Rice/Zubi and provide minutes to a crowded group. Might consider moving MO for a big offer but that would change my thoughts at LW and/or ST. LW - All of the starter quality LW options are super expensive and I'm not sure we can afford any of them. I would sell Trossard, start Eze at LW/LAM and buy a young LW (Godts, Fofana) to compete with Marti. RW - Pray that Saka regains his health/form. Would keep Noni for now unless a nice offer comes in. Let Nwaneri & Dowman try to force Noni out. ST - This is the hardest position. On paper it should be strong but between Kai's injuries and VGs inconsistency, it has been a weak spot. Barring a bold move, I'd bet on selling Jesus and at most buying a young u21 (Tresoldi, Kofane) to take his spot on the roster or use Merino as the 3rd ST. Outside chance we could see VG moved and replaced by Alvarez or Osimhen but I would be shocked if we did. *** Summary *** I wouldn't be looking to add any starters this summer. I would look at young depth that is good enough to challenge and provide rotation with enough potential to take over as starter within the next couple years. Likely Sales - Kepa, White, Norgaard, Trossard, Jesus and loanees not names Nwaneri Possible Sales (I wouldn't do it) - Marti, MLS, Nwaneri Bold Sales - Gabi, MO, VG Additions - young LB, RB (both traditional FB/WB), LW and maybe CM and/or ST
I hadn't started a new thread because I think the last 5-6 matches will have a huge impact on the approach in the summer. Things go well, it's probably 3 significant signings, maybe 1-2 others. Things go poorly, one option is to go big and all-in. Or it is time for an overhaul and some players (and the manager) need to go. Obviously rooting for the trophies but if things go wrong, I think it's time for an overhaul.
i actually think either way people will wnat a ton of changes and either way we will have 3 or so first teamers arrive
No matter the circumstances, I think at a bare minimum we are looking at..... Exits - White (health), Trossard (age), Jesus (health, performance) and as many loanees as we can offload Additions - FB, W and possible CM, ST
I would like to see someone who can fill n for Rice. Of course he is a unicorn but at this point, I think he's our most important outfield player. I can't think of anyone including either of our world class CBs who if they were out it would be the hardest to cope without than Rice. Don't expect this to be popular but I want us to buy Kofane from Leverkusen. I think he'd be a revelation. I'd give Gyokeres one more season. I don't really blame him so much as I think he was bought with no strategy on how to play to his strengths. Arteta was right on wanting Sesko. Berta was wrong on Gyokeres. Arsenal and Man Utd bought each other's main target. Man Utd eventually figured out a way to get Sesko involved, we didn't as much with Gyokeres. MLS either has to go on loan or sold next year. If not, then at least give him a run at midfield as a sub. It's where he played in the youth set up.
I'd like Setford to get a season on loan somewhere, playing everyday, before he gets the cup keeper job. Kepa sucks but he won't go sp*rs/Kinsky if Raya gets hurt. I would sell Calafiori before I'd sell Gabriel. I don't trust him to stay healthy. I don't see Arteta wanting a more traditional B2B FB/WB, he likes his CB/FB's too much. I think the Araujo rumors are BS. Mingueza can play on the left or right and is free, I could see him being a secondary signing. They rely too much on Zubimendi, he isn't that good. I don't think Arteta will rotate any more than he does now if MLS and Merino are his only options. I'd like MLS to get a loan to a club without Europe and play once a week in midfield to develop. And I'd go for a bigger money signing to beef up the midfield, Anderson/Wharton/Baleba. If Norgaard stays, he's an emergency CB, nothing else. I think this summer is the time to sell Odegaard and make Rice the captain. I don't actually think that will happen. The biggest problem I have this summer is that LW needs an upgrade but scoring is down everywhere and I don't have any targets that I love and know will be available. Barcola is maybe the closest but I'm not sure PSG will let him go. Fofana has 2 goals all season. This is where I call BS on the "Gyokeres is who he was bought to be" or "Gyokeres isn't elite but it's fine" talk. Gyokeres is not good and is signed for 4 more seasons, he has zero incentive to leave, and I don't see the club buying a new striker unless they unload him. So he's going to hold the club back. As I said above at LW, there's not ST target I love. Alvarez isn't scoring in La Liga and Osimhen is coming from an awful league. They might be great but neither one is a sure thing given they would both cost a fortune. It's probably like you said, Jesus out replaced with an unproven prospect.
Seeing a potentially sketchy rumor (Instagram) that we are "on the verge of agreement" to sign 17yo Red Star Belgrade AM Vasilije Kostov for €12m + 8m in addons and a sell on clause. This is not the first reference I have seen of interest in him.
That's a fair take and like I said, it would be a risk. The argument for selling Gabi over Cala is (a) much better PSR/FFP bump (b) age difference and (c) the theory that Cala's injuries are related to a CB body playing FB and he would conceivably be healthier playing at CB. Mingueza is slightly more athletic White and you still have Hincapie on the right so he wouldn't be completely abandoning. Wouldn't be opposed to MLS on loan provided its a good spot where he would have an opportunity to play CM every week. Think Zubi is better than you give him credit. Everyone was overjoyed with him the first 1/2 - 2/3 of the season. The problem is that he just played atleast 1.5x the minutes this season as he has ever played so he is getting worn down. I am curious to see him playing more B2B lately. Are we testing him out to see if he can fit as a rotational option for both DM & CM roles? Could that mean a new DM coming? I could see us signing a new CM/DM but I would be surprised if it is someone as expensive as Anderson/Wharton/Baleba. Only names I have seen are Tonali & Ederson. I don't think you are alone in that thought and I wouldn't be opposed. I like MO but am concerned with his injuries and drop off. If he is sold I think I would prefer to still play Eze on the left until we can find a LW that takes ownership of the spot. Either bring in a new AM or sign Kofane and play Kai in a AM/SS. Think Nwaneri & Dowman could both thrive in that same AM/SS role. Fofana was hurt all season. If you sign him you are getting a better deal and hoping he rebounds. Agree on the options. No one is perfect and those that are attainable are either risky (league tax) or expensive. My favorite of the pricy options is Yildiz because he likes to go 1v1 and he has some solid numbers but he carries the risk of being pumped up by the Italian league. Godts is very similar but l shouldn't cost as much. Like I said, I prefer the idea of playing Eze at LW and buying a cheaper high potential option. Agree there is no high dollar option that really makes sense. Id go grab Kofane, Tresoldi or someone similar and hope your scout team hits. Hopefully VG steps up or looks to go if he loses the starting job. As far as VG, I have trouble with the idea that he simply is not good. I can get on board with him being a poor fit for us but he scores for Sweden and he scored for Sporting including in CL. Ive seen examples live and watched highlights showing him making good runs that our MF/W don't see or refuse to try. If they start giving him service and he still fails, I will concede.
Playing CB might help but he gets hurt in training and warmups. If Gabriel and Saliba finish out the season they will each have 31 league starts, I have a hard time seeing Calafiori getting that many if he was the main LCB. That said, I expect both to be back. Yeah, he's played some CB too, I think he's a fit. As opposed to attack, midfield is where I see talented young players and I really don't want to see them go to City, United and Liverpool while Arsenal sit it out. There is also the age balance, Rice is 27, Zubimendi is 27, Odegaard is 27, Eze turns 28 in June, Merino turns 30 in June, Norgaard is 32. Tonali turns 26 soon and Ederson turns 27 in the summer. Getting a quality 21-23yo would bring in some fresh young legs that you don't have to worry about protecting like Nwaneri and MLS. I didn't respond in the last thread, but I like the idea of getting a player early and not waiting until he goes to some Bundesliga club and costs 2-3x as much next summer. I think we should be very skeptical of players who put up big numbers in weaker leagues in their mid-20s but he is only 21. What does he do well? People complained about Raya playing long balls to him because that's not his game. He's not fast. He doesn't participate in the build-up. He had 15 touches yesterday, Jesus had 13 off the bench. His touch is poor. Andrew and Tim Stillman discussed this on a recent Arsecast, they think players don't give him in the ball because they don't have any confidence he will do anything with it.
My ignorant assessment at this very late point in the season is that Vik showed us a smidge of hold up play in the first half that led to a dangerous ball in the box that made me assume he has the ability to . . . . Ok I get it. It felt like a miracle to me too, I just want to believe he can become that guy, I really do.
Eze isn’t really a left wing, at least not in Arteta’s system. He thrives at the top of the the box. You won’t see the same production from him on the wing.
Feels like winning the league this year might see some big changes whereas a 2nd place finish might see guys view next season as one last chance. Could easily see Trossard, Odegaard, White and Saliba request to leave after winning the league. Trossard due to age, Odegaard and White due to age\injuries\length of time here and Saliba based on comments in interviews about how he owes the club a title. Feels like the day we win the league he might listen to offers from clubs like PSG or Madrid etc. Would only let Nwaneri and MLS go on loan if they go somewhere we can trust will play them. That said if Arteta learns to actually rotate the squad both could have had significant midfield minutes this season. I see the merit in the sell Gabi XL keep Cala at CB but Calafiori has never been reliable health wise. Which is a shame because I think Calafiori if fit and playing CB would be the biggest goal threat in the league.
100% agreement on the age profile. If we sign a DM/CM, I 100% want someone that is u23. 100% understand and agree the sentiment of not wanting to see young talent headed to City/United/Chelsea. I just have a hard time seeing us drop 100m on any player this season unless we have a big sale or 2. Of the guys you mentioned..... Anderson - Think he is the more consistent & versatile of the 3. Think he would best fit Arteta. If we were gonna splash big bucks, that's who I would target. Just some wild, pull it out of the air speculation..... if Arteta got him bought into joining, I wonder if we could get a bit of a discount by offering up MLS & Nwaneri on loan? Allows us to get those guys experience and allows them to utilize the transfer money on other areas. Wharton - Not as sold on him. Wouldn't be against adding him if his price tag were reasonable. Of the 3 I think he is most likely to stay at their current club. Baleba - Of the 3, I think he is the worst fit for us but will easily cost as much because Brighton will squeeze every last penny. I'd bet he ends up at ManU. Some potential alternatives that I haven't heard us linked to but have heard could be moved this summer..... Camavinga - Supposedly the odd man out at Real. Definite injury concerns but is young and has tons of experience. Zaire-Emery - may be a BS rumor considering how many minutes he's played but would be a very nice option Bergvall - mostly speculation based on spuds being relegated. He's actually 20. Turns 21 in June. This was his breakout season both in production and playing time. Consistently..... nothing. However, he shows flashes of strong hold up play, pressing, counter attack, physicality, etc..... The tools are there. The question is why is he able to put them all together for Sweden/Sporting but hasn't for us. One major issue (you mentioned) is his inconsistent touch. If he can shore that up and start putting some things together he could be strong for us.
I don't see him as being a creative enough #10. He creates more for himself rather than others. You are right, he is best around the box but also seems to perform better when he can move central from the left. I think he would be best utilized as.... LAM in a narrow 4-2-3-1 LCM in our current 4-3-3 or if we wanna get a little wild.... LAM in a 3-4-2-1
He’s not But if we are being 100, there isn’t a left winger in the world who would thrive under Arteta for years. I do t think any winger can before their body breaks down. He demands way too much from the flanks. Eze is less athletically inclined to do so
It’s also why I don’t think we will sell Martinelli because he has sacrificed his career to play the Arteta way and doesn’t get injured.
HoA on a new Timber contract/injury, @chjoak 's boy Godts, and Livramento. 🚨 Arsenal are now confident Jurrien Timber will put pen to paper and sign a long-term extension this summer. Talks have progressed excellently with his new deal reflecting his status within the squad. In terms of his current health status, groin injuries are very tricky to…— HandofArsenal (@HandofArsenal) May 1, 2026
While Godts wouldn't be a guaranteed immediate upgrade, if he adjusts to the team/league pretty quickly he could be a huge pickup. I don't like the idea of Livramento. His injury history combined with our inability to keep our current guys healthy doesn't bode well.
I think Arteta likes having large humans on the team, and Godts is 5'9. Then again, Arteta's usually overcorrects to the previous season's weaknesses, so this might be the summer he focuses on technical quality.
Marti & Saka are 5'10". Trossard is 5'8" and he seems to like him just fine. Not sure how much height would matter for a wing
If Arsenal end upside singing 6’ 2” 20 year old Yildiz, instead of 5’ 9” 20 year old Godts, we might be able to infer that height played a role.
Took a look of his highlights based on this, he'll be one for the future obviously. Can't help but imagine in 5 years, Nwaneri, MLS, Dowman, and a few others starting. We'll see.
I hope we re-address the rumor that we'll be in for Kofane @ Leverkusen this summer. My 'spider senses' say he's going to be huge.