The 2025/26 season has come to an end and Arsenal can now set their sights on the upcoming summer transfer window as Mikel Arteta looks to build on a great season.
Piero Hincapie joins Arsenal on a permanent basis (Image: Arsenal FC, Getty Images)
As Arsenal’s unforgettable 2025/26 season officially draws to a close, the club can now turn all their focus to the upcoming transfer window. The summer window opens on June 15 and will allow manager Mikel Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta to strengthen the squad after an exceptional season.
Arsenal won their first Premier League title in 22 years, sparking three days of jubilation across north London. But they also endured disappointments, first missing out in the Carabao Cup final against Manchester City, then losing in the Champions League final to Paris Saint-Germain on penalties in a heart-breaking penalty shootout.
Arteta has already made it clear he needs to maintain his ambitions and these setbacks will provide fuel to address weaknesses in the transfer market.
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Much has been said about Arsenal’s main targets up front, on the left and in the center of midfield, but ultimately the area they are most likely to focus on strengthening is at the back. The Gunners are known for having one of the best defenses in Europe, having conceded the fewest goals in both the Premier League and Champions League this season.
However, despite their talent, they were forced to miss out on several occasions due to injury, including in the Champions League final when Cristian Mosquera had to be converted to right-back.
Arsenal have already started their summer spending by completing Piero Hincapie’s contract and are expected to match last year’s record £250m. It is noteworthy that there was no Ecuadorian name in the recently announced list of players who will leave the club on June 30th.
Hincapie joined on loan from Bayer Leverkusen on deadline day in September 2025, and many supporters were surprised by his sudden signing. However, the 24-year-old proved a hit from his first season, making 39 appearances in all competitions, including the defeat in the Champions League final.
Arsenal were always expected to exercise their option to sign him on a permanent deal for £45m this summer, ensuring they have two truly elite options in Hincapie and Riccardo Calafioli for the Community Shield game against City in August.
Emmanuel Mbemba is a promising young player (Image: Noushad Thekkayil/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Looking ahead, the Gunners appear to be inching closer to signing PSG’s youngster Emmanuel Mbemba on a free transfer. The 18-year-old, who captains PSG’s Under-19 team, has been offered a new contract by the Parisians, but is open to a move to the Premier League champions once his contract expires at the end of June.
Arsenal reportedly made early contact with his agent to outline what they could offer him going forward. Despite being primarily used as a centre-back at PSG, he is said to be considered by the Gunners as a long-term option at left-back.
Mbemba is reportedly set to be on loan in Europe until January 2027, making him a promising player with the opportunity to obtain a work permit in England.
Mosquera and 16-year-old prospect Marli Salmon are expected to remain on the team. However, the future of veteran right-back Ben White remains uncertain. A move is unlikely due to recent knee problems, but given White’s recent injury struggles, he could be sold if an attractive offer arrives from the likes of Everton.
Regardless of whether the 28-year-old stays or leaves, right-back is where Arsenal most urgently need reinforcements across their backline. Julian Timber is world-class in his position, but the Dutchman was sidelined for a few months towards the end of the season, leaving the team lacking in strength.
Tino Libramento could improve Arsenal’s defense (Image: Getty)
Arsenal are therefore looking to sign another elite right-back to strengthen Arteta’s selection. Tino Libramento is an ideal target as he has a proven track record in the Premier League and can play on either flank.
Newcastle are under no pressure to sell given the England international still has two years left on his contract. A good performance at the World Cup could increase his already hefty transfer fee of around £60m, but given his quality it’s a price Arsenal should be willing to meet.
If the Gunners bring the three aforementioned players to the Emirates Stadium, they will have the following defensive options at their disposal:
Right-back: Julian Timber, Tino Libramento, Ben White.
Center backs: William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhães, Cristian Mosquera, Marli Salmon.
Left-back: Piero Hincapie, Riccardo Calafioli, Emmanuel Mbemba.
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