Arsenal are not wasting any time in the transfer window as their defence goes from strength to strength
The unforgettable 2025/26 season is officially over for Arsenal and the club can now put all of their energy into the upcoming transfer window.
The summer window opens on June 15, allowing manager Mikel Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta to bolster their squad off the back of an incredible campaign. Arsenal clinched their first Premier League title in 22 years, sparking three separate days of joyous celebration in north London.
But they also suffered heartbreak, initially losing the Carabao Cup final to Manchester City and then enduring an agonising penalty shootout defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final. That will be used as motivation to shore up any deficiencies in the transfer market, with Arteta already making it clear that they must continue to show ambition.
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While plenty has already been said about Arsenal’s key targets up top, on the left wing and in central midfield, the position they could end up reinforcing most is the defence. The Gunners are known for boasting the best defence in Europe, having conceded the least goals in the Premier League and the Champions League this term.
Yet, 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 not included in the recently published list of players leaving the club on June 30.
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Hincapie joined on loan from Bayer Leverkusen on deadline day of September 2025, with many fans surprised with the sudden acquisition. But 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 sign him permanently for £45m this summer, meaning they will have two truly elite options in Hincapie and Riccardo Calafiori going into August’s Community Shield clash with City.
Looking ahead, the Gunners also appear to be closing in on a deal to sign PSG youngster Emmanuel Mbemba on a free transfer. The 18-year-old, who captains PSG’s Under-19s side, 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 told he will initially go out on a European loan until January 2027, which would allow him time to secure a work permit to play in England.
The likes of Mosquera and 16-year-old starlet Marli Salmon are expected to continue their role as squad players going forward. The future of veteran right-back Ben White, however, is less certain. Given White’s recent injury record, it could be the case that he is moved on if an enticing offer comes in from the likes of Everton, though his recent knee injury makes a transfer less likely.
Whether the 28-year-old stays or leaves, right-back is the position Arsenal most need to strengthen across the entire defence. Jurrien Timber is world class in his role but the Dutchman missed several months of action at the end of the season, leaving the team short.
Arsenal are therefore looking to sign another top right-back in order to bolster Arteta’s options. Tino Livramento is the most suitable candidate as he is Premier League-proven and can play on both flanks.
Newcastle are in no rush to sell given the England international still has two years left on his deal. His already high fee of around £60m could soar if he performs well at the World Cup, but it is a sum Arsenal should be prepared to pay 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.
Left back: Piero Hincapie, Riccardo Calafiori, Emmanuel Mbemba.
