Arsenal have already dipped into the transfer market this summer but they don’t look done
Arsenal might be Premier League champions but they will know as well as anyone that they can’t rest on their laurels if they are to defend that crown. The Gunners begin their pre-season programme against Girona on August 1 but have already dipped into the transfer market.
Illan Meslier has joined on a free after leaving Leeds, while Piero Hincapie has become an Arsenal player on a permanent basis following a successful loan spell. There have also been exits, with Leandro Trossard, Karl Hein and Jakub Kiwior fetching more than ยฃ30million between them.
This time last year, Arsenal had already made three new additions to their squad. They would end up adding four further permanent signings, as well as that last-minute loan swoop for Hincapie.
Now, though, injuries as well as squad gaps could end up impacting their plans. Here’s the latest from North London.
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Could Saliba blow accelerate Mavropanos move?
There have been no new developments since the reports that Arsenal might pursue a deal to bring Dinos Mavropanos back to North London but that could change. Following suggestions that William Saliba may be set for an extended absence, the urgency for an experienced centre-back has intensified considerably..
Mavropanos, who claimed West Ham’s player of the year award last term, could be available for as little as ยฃ25million following the Hammers’ relegation. However, Arsenal face competition for his signature, with Borussia Dortmund and Leeds United also thought to be keen on the defender.
L’Equipe reports that Saliba could be sidelined for as long as five months after requiring back surgery, though that would include the month or so before the start of the new season. The centre-back has reportedly been managing back pain for some time and was substituted during the first half of France’s World Cup semi-final loss to Spain when he was unable to continue.
PSG prospect staying in Ligue 1
Arsenal’s hopes of signing Emmanuel Mbemba from Paris Saint-Germain have fallen flat. The teenager, who skippered PSG’s under-18 side, was courted by the Gunners as well as AS Monaco but has instead opted for a move across the French capital to Paris FC.
The 18-year-old, who is capable of operating at left-back or in central defence, featured for PSG across the last two UEFA Youth League campaigns. He was an unused substitute when Les Parisiens’ young side fell to an Arsenal selection that included Max Dowman back in 2024.
“We are delighted that he has chosen our project. Emmanuel is a modern and talented left-footed defender. He already has numerous caps for the French youth national teams,” Paris FC sporting director Marco Neppe said.
“His versatility, playing style, passion, and determination impressed us. We will do everything we can to support him and allow him to develop with the first team. We wish him every success in his new colours.”
Get Arsenal’s new 2026/27 home kit
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Arsenal have launched their new home kit for the 2026/27 season, said to incorporate classic Arsenal design features that tie into the club’s heritage.
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