As the 2024/25 campaign draws to a close, transfer speculation surrounding Arsenal is beginning to dominate the headlines.

While Mikel Arteta and his squad remain focused on the immediate challenges ahead — including vital Premier League fixtures against Everton and Brentford, and a high-stakes Champions League quarter-final clash with Real Madrid — planning for next season is already underway behind the scenes.

With the recent appointment of Andrea Berta as the club’s new sporting director, preparations for a pivotal summer transfer window have formally begun.

Here is a round-up of the latest Arsenal transfer news and what it could mean going forward.

Real Madrid Shift Focus Away from William Saliba

Real Madrid’s interest in strengthening their defensive ranks this summer is no secret, especially given the injury difficulties Carlo Ancelotti has faced throughout the season. The Spanish giants have been linked with Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold, and centre-back remains a key priority.

Reports earlier this year suggested that William Saliba had become a leading target for Los Blancos, with the Arsenal centre-half widely regarded as one of the Premier League’s standout defenders.

However, according to Spanish outlet SPORT, Real Madrid have now cooled their interest in Saliba due to the financial implications involved in any potential deal. It is understood that signing the French international would require a fee in excess of £80 million, which could see him become the most expensive defender in history. As a result, Madrid have redirected their attention towards Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen as a more financially viable option.

FL Comment:

“When Real Madrid set their sights on a player, it is naturally cause for concern — few clubs can compete with their allure and financial power. That said, their approach often centres around securing players on favourable terms, frequently on free transfers or below-market fees. Jude Bellingham remains a rare exception in recent years.

In this instance, the cost of prising Saliba away from Arsenal appears to have been a deterrent. The Gunners are firmly in control of the situation, especially as the player has not expressed any desire to leave. Keeping core players like Saliba will be critical to any success next season, making this a positive development for both the club and its supporters.”

Arsenal’s Summer Transfer Strategy Becomes Clear

With their Premier League title challenge faltering in recent weeks, Arsenal are now preparing for what is expected to be a crucial summer transfer window. Despite remaining in the hunt for European glory, there is a growing consensus that squad reinforcements will be necessary if the club is to compete at the highest level next season.

According to Fabrizio Romano, manager Mikel Arteta and the club hierarchy have identified several key areas in need of strengthening. Writing in his GiveMeSport newsletter, Romano suggested that Arsenal are likely to be among the most active clubs in the market.

The positions targeted reportedly include a striker, full-back, winger, and midfielder — hinting at a significant overhaul ahead of the new campaign.

FL Comment:

“A busy summer at the Emirates comes as no surprise. A number of players are approaching the end of their contracts, and certain weaknesses in the squad have persisted for some time.

If Arsenal are serious about challenging for the Premier League title next season, they must be proactive in the transfer market. There have already been credible links to several potential targets across the identified positions — the key now is converting that interest into concrete signings.”