The unforgettable 2025/26 campaign has officially drawn to a close for Arsenal, and the club can now channel all their focus towards the upcoming transfer window. The summer window opens on June 15, enabling manager Mikel Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta to strengthen their squad following an extraordinary season.
Arsenal secured their first Premier League title in 22 years, sparking three separate days of jubilant celebrations across north London. Yet, they also endured disappointment, first falling short in the Carabao Cup final against Manchester City before suffering a gut-wrenching penalty shootout loss to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final.
Those setbacks will serve as fuel to address any weaknesses in the transfer market, with Arteta already making it clear they must maintain their ambition.
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While much has been said regarding Arsenal’s primary targets up front, on the left flank and in central midfield, the area they may ultimately reinforce most heavily is at the back. The Gunners are renowned for boasting Europe’s finest defence, having conceded the fewest goals in both the Premier League and Champions League this season.
But for all of the talent they possess, they were left short on several occasions due to injury, including in the Champions League final, where Cristhian Mosquera had to be shifted to right-back.
It appears Arsenal have already kicked off their summer spending spree – expected to match the record £250million outlay last year – by wrapping up the signing of Piero Hincapie. The Ecuadorian’s name was notably absent from the recently released list of players departing the club on June 30.
Hincapie arrived on loan from Bayer Leverkusen on deadline day in September 2025, with many supporters taken aback by the sudden acquisition. However, the 24-year-old proved a hit in his first season and made 39 appearances across all competitions, including the Champions League final loss.
Arsenal were always expected to trigger their option to buy him permanently for £45m this summer, ensuring they will possess two truly elite options in Hincapie and Riccardo Calafiori heading into August’s Community Shield encounter with City.
View 3 ImagesEmmanuel Mbemba is a promising youngster(Image: Noushad Thekkayil/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Looking ahead, the Gunners also seem to be edging closer to a deal for PSG youngster Emmanuel Mbemba on a free transfer. The 18-year-old, who captains PSG’s Under-19s outfit, was 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 have reportedly made early contact with his representatives and outlined what they could offer him going forward. He is claimed to be viewed by the Gunners as a long-term option at left-back despite primarily being deployed as a centre-back at PSG.
Mbemba would be one for the future, given he has been informed he will initially head out on a European loan until January 2027, affording him the opportunity to obtain a work permit for England.
The likes of Mosquera and 16-year-old prospect Marli Salmon are anticipated to keep their status as squad players moving forward. The future of veteran right-back Ben White, however, remains more uncertain. Considering White’s recent injury struggles, it is possible he could be sold if an attractive proposal arrives from the likes of Everton, though his latest knee problem makes a move less likely.
Regardless of whether the 28-year-old stays or leaves, right-back is the area Arsenal most urgently need to strengthen throughout the entire backline. Jurrien Timber is world class in his position but the Dutchman was absent for several months towards the end of the campaign, leaving the team short.
View 3 ImagesTino Livramento could improve Arsenal’s defence(Image: Getty)
Arsenal are therefore looking to recruit another elite right-back to enhance Arteta’s choices. Tino Livramento is the most suitable target as he is Premier League-proven and capable of operating on either flank.
Newcastle are under no pressure to sell given the England international still has two years remaining on his contract. His already substantial fee of around £60m could soar if he impresses at the World Cup, but it is a figure Arsenal should be willing to meet given his quality.
Should the Gunners bring the aforementioned three players to the Emirates Stadium, they will have the following defensive options at their disposal:
Right back: Jurrien Timber, Tino Livramento, Ben White.
Centre back: William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Cristhian Mosquera, Marli Salmon.
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Left back: Piero Hincapie, Riccardo Calafiori, Emmanuel Mbemba.
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