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4 transfer targets Mikel Arteta could pursue to bolster Arsenal
21st July, 2026 02:43 PM
With the 2026 World Cup now in the rearview mirror, the football world turns its attention back to club action, where summer signings and squad replenishment take center stage.
Fresh off their Premier League title triumph, Arsenal are actively looking to strengthen across key departments.
Between World Cup injury setbacks, Leandro Trossard departing the English champions, and missing out on primary targets—such as Morgan Rogers, who chose Chelsea over the Gunners—Mikel Arteta and the Arsenal hierarchy are pivoting quickly.
Here is a look at four marquee targets Arsenal could pursue ahead of the new campaign:
1. Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle United)
Arsenal have reportedly opened direct talks with Newcastle United over a deal for midfielder Bruno Guimarães, earmarking the Brazilian international as a top priority this summer.
Guimarães enjoyed an impressive World Cup campaign, providing four assists before Brazil’s unexpected Round of 16 exit against Norway.
The combative Newcastle skipper has long been on Arsenal’s radar, with Arteta and club leadership ranking him high on their wishlist to reinforce the midfield engine room. Negotiations are reportedly progressing as Arsenal look to finalise a marquee deal.
2. Yan Diomande (RB Leipzig)
The Gunners remain highly attentive to the situation surrounding Ivorian wonderkid Yan Diomande and interest from Paris St. Germain.
Paris Saint-Germain has already reached a verbal agreement on personal terms with the talented winger, but a club-to-club deal with RB Leipzig has yet to be finalised.
Arsenal are actively monitoring negotiations and could swoop in if PSG fail to reach a swift agreement with the German side. However, the Parisians’ longstanding relationship with Leipzig presents a significant obstacle the Premier League champions would need to overcome.
3. Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa)
An injury sustained by star defender William Saliba at the World Cup has forced Arsenal to evaluate backline options, with England international Ezri Konsa emerging as a strong candidate.
The Aston Villa center-back, who is currently under contract at Villa Park, shares tight bonds with several Arsenal stars following their time together in North America. Konsa has previously spoken about his close off-pitch relationships with the Gunners’ core—highlighted by Bukayo Saka FaceTiming him during Villa’s UEFA Europa League victory parade.
His Premier League-proven quality and existing chemistry with the squad make him an intriguing option.
4. Nico Williams (Athletic Bilbao)
Fresh off winning the World Cup with Spain, Nico Williams is once again high on Arsenal’s wishlist as Arteta seeks to revitalise his left wing.
With Leandro Trossard’s confirmed departure and Gabriel Martinelli’s long-term future subject to speculation, Williams represents an elite solution.
However, any deal for the Athletic Club star will not come cheap—Williams retains a high release clause (reported around £77m), and the player would want clear assurances regarding his role following Bilbao’s signing of Christos Tzolis. Arsenal may need to sanction player sales before making a formal move.
