In the 2026/27 season, Arsenal will be the hunted rather than the hunted in the Premier League, something they have never seen in over 20 years.
Mikel Arteta faces the biggest challenge of his managerial career so far as he tries to defend his title and deal with pressure from supporters.
After tasting title glory, the Gunners faithful will no doubt be looking for more success next term, and the Spaniard’s extra money to spend on the market could cause the hierarchy to pull out.
Andrea Berta has already completed the signing of winger Christos Tzoris from Belgian side Club Brugge and could be set to make another big-money signing at the Emirates next term.
How Guimarães will help Arsenal defend their title next season
Throughout the ongoing summer transfer window, Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimarães is arguably the player most linked with a move to Arsenal.
The Gunners have already had two offers rejected by Eddie Howe’s side in recent weeks, but are now expected to make a third offer in the region of £70m.
The Brazilian has even stated that he wants to complete his move to North London during this period, but what will he add to Arteta’s midfield in the fight to retain the Premier League title?
Despite being a strong option for the Magpies, Guimarães finished the top-flight season with 14 combined goals and assists, with only Victor Goqueres achieving a better tally at the Emirates.
Bruno Guimarães – PL statistics (2025/26) | |
|---|---|
Statistics (per 90 people) | tally |
games played | 29 |
goals and assists | 14 |
Pass accuracy | 86% |
The tackle I made | 2.2 |
Number of balls collected | 4.9 |
won a duel | 6.2 |
Clearance has occurred | 1.3 |
An opportunity has arisen | 1.7 |
As a result, Arteta’s side will have a player who is more than capable of adding goals to the top flight. This is necessary for the team to return to the top next season.
But even without the ball, the 28-year-old also put up some notable numbers, including winning 6.2 ground duels per 90. This could further improve the Gunners’ defensive solidity.
His all-round qualities and extensive Premier League experience could make him a great addition this season, but a transfer will need to be agreed with the Magpies in the near future.
How can Arsenal pull off a bigger coup than Guimarães?
Guimarães is seen as Arsenal’s biggest transfer target this summer, but Berta is said to be working on bringing in other targets in key areas this summer.
A replacement has arrived with the arrival of Tzoris after Leandro Trossard left for Besiktas, but other options within the final third are still being considered.
Bradley Barcola has previously been named on the club’s transfer shortlist, and a move for RB Leipzig star Yann Diomande could surface in the coming weeks.
BILD, via Sport Witness, report that Arteta’s side are willing to make an offer of £86 million to the Bundesliga side for the 19-year-old.
The report also states that PSG remain firm favorites to sign the Ivorian international this summer, but a lack of urgency in recent weeks could lead to a move to the Premier League.
The teenager has become one of Europe’s hottest prospects in recent months, with most of the continent’s elite clubs touting a move for him.
However, Arsenal are the last to enter the race and are trying their luck at signing the winger, who did so well last season, but he could be a bigger coup than Guimarães.
Diomande, described by analyst Bence Boksak as a “generational player”, has an astonishing success rate of 4.3 successful dribbles per 90, the most of any player in Germany’s top flight.
Figures like this highlight his ability to break through opponents with ease, and Arsenal fans were desperate for a new winger throughout this period.
Despite his young age, the Ivorian was able to put the finishing touches on his relentless run, going on to finish last season with 12 goals and eight assists in the Bundesliga.
No player in Arteta’s squad has a better record and Diomande could become the Gunners’ new attacking talisman if he moves to the Emirates this summer.
Despite the 2025/26 season being his first full season in one of Europe’s top five leagues, Diomande created an impressive 2.1 chances per 90 games, ranking him in the top 15% of all European attackers.
The aforementioned results reaffirm his ability to cause carnage within attacking areas of the pitch, and Gokeres could benefit from endless chance creation next term.
The £86 million deal will be one of Arsenal’s most expensive signings to date, but it will secure a player who will be a star at the Emirates for years to come.
His talent is undisputed and the youngster could leave a bigger mark on the club’s fortunes than Guimarães in the Premier League, not to mention filling a position that has been a problem for Arteta.
PSG’s increased interest will raise concerns that a deal will not be agreed this summer, but it is now up to the leaders to complete the transfer of the attacking genius by all means necessary.
