The 2025/26 season will be one that will remain in the memories of Arsenal supporters forever, as Mikel Arteta’s side make history in the Premier League.
The Gunners won their first league title in 22 years and then finished the season seven points behind rivals Manchester City after a ferocious and relentless battle.
While last weekend’s loss to PSG in the Champions League final was undoubtedly a missed opportunity, it still serves as a reminder of how far this team has come under Arteta.
Next season will see Arsenal go from being the hunter to being the hunted, but it is a chance for the club to take it to the next level under the Spanish manager.
The 44-year-old may need further reinforcements from the hierarchy in the upcoming transfer window if he is to add more silverware to the club’s trophy cabinet.
Arsenal could accept a £45m bid for attacking star
A number of high-profile talents have already been touted for a move to the Emirates this summer in an attempt to strengthen Arsenal’s attacking department.
The name most consistently mentioned is Aston Villa star Morgan Rodgers, with the English player expected to leave Unai Emery’s side ahead of the 2026-27 season.
A transfer fee of close to £80 million has been mooted for his signature, with Manchester United and Chelsea also remaining keen on signing the 23-year-old.
Rodgers is not the only option currently being considered by Arsenal bosses, with AC Milan winger Rafael Leao emerging as another transfer target.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, the 26-year-old made a personal offer to the Gunners this summer to secure a move from San Siro to the Premier League.
The report also states that Manchester United will also continue to monitor his situation and that the Portugal international is free to leave the Serie A side during this period.
Leo could also be great business for Arteta’s men this window, with the fee required to secure the attacker’s signature being just £45m.
Why Leo is an upgrade over Martinelli for Arsenal
Despite their success in recent campaigns, Arsenal supporters are in need of top-level attacking talent on the left side of their front three.
Gabriel Martinelli was often the Gunners’ first-choice player throughout the 2025/26 campaign, but failed to deliver for Arteta’s men in north London.
The Brazilian has featured in 30 league games this season, but has only scored one goal and provided just four assists for his team-mates at the Emirates.
As a result, he will have to share starting responsibilities alongside Leandro Trossard, further highlighting the need for further reinforcements this summer.
Number of PL goals by Arsenal forwards (2025/26) | |
|---|---|
player | tally |
Victor Gokeres | 14 |
Bukayo Saka | 7 |
Leandro Trossard | 6 |
Gabriel Jesus | 3 |
Mr. Maduek | 3 |
Kai Havertz | 2 |
Gabriel Martinelli | 1 |
Max Dauman | 1 |
A potential move for Leo could make perfect sense for Arteta and co during this window, especially if we believe his current asking price of just £45m.
The 26-year-old has consistently been one of Europe’s leading attacking stars in recent years, as evidenced by his ability to score in double figures in each of the past five seasons.
His basic stats in recent seasons highlight why he would be an upgrade over Martinelli, handing the Gunners an elite-level forward they desperately needed on the left.
Leo achieved more take-ons per 90 points than Martinelli throughout the 2025/26 season, and then highlighted his ability to weave through opponents.
His high shooting accuracy and number of goals highlight his ability to put the finishing touches on strays, something the Brazilian has struggled to show in recent months.
As a result of his influence within the attacking third, the AC Milan star was described as an “early Henry” by one Athletic reporter, which is a huge compliment considering the Frenchman’s record of 228 goals for the Gunners.
The 26-year-old’s end product is there for all to see, with his 44% cross accuracy rate higher than Martinelli and 85% of other attackers in Europe’s top five leagues.
His all-round superiority over the current Arsenal star could make him a great addition this summer, especially if his current asking price of £45m is to be believed.
Leao’s move would provide the Gunners with much-needed depth at the Emirates. This is what we need to build on our recent Premier League wins.
However, no one would be surprised if the Portuguese star is stripped of his starting spot next season following a move to North London.
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