Are Arsenal taking a risk in not signing a world-class forward?
September 2, 2026 07:25
Arsenal entered the summer transfer window aiming to add a “game-changing” attacker but did not complete a deal for a top forward. The club pursued targets including Morgan Rogers, Bradley Barcola, Julian Álvarez and Vinícius Júnior, but none moved to north London during the window.
KEY CONTEXT
The pursuit followed a season in which Arsenal won their first title in 22 years by seven points and reached the Champions League final, where their only defeat in regulation time across the campaign came on penalties to Paris Saint-Germain. Manager Mikel Arteta wanted an attacker to elevate the forward line after Viktor Gyökeres — a £64m signing last summer who scored 21 goals — raised questions about fit in the system.
Several transfer stories unfolded publicly. Arsenal valued Morgan Rogers at around £80m and did not match the fee Chelsea later paid (£117m). Their interest in Vinícius Júnior became public amid a contract situation at Real Madrid; Real ultimately offered the player a larger package and retained him. Julian Álvarez returned to Atlético Madrid training after negotiations with Arsenal did not produce a transfer, and Liverpool signed Bradley Barcola.
Arsenal did, however, strengthen in other areas: they signed Bruno Guimarães for £75m, Ezri Konsa for £55m, made Piero Hincapié's loan permanent for £34.5m and brought in Christos Tzolis for £34m. At the same time Gabriel Jesus moved to Barcelona for £12.8m, Leandro Trossard left for Beşiktaş (£15.3m) and Christian Nørgaard went to Everton (£7m). Gabriel Martinelli was reported to be close to a move to Al-Hilal for around £60m.
SPORTING DECISIONS
Andrea Berta, who replaced Edu as sporting director in 2025, is described as working on multiple targets simultaneously. Chief executive Richard Garlick said the club’s aim is to “join the world's super-clubs” and acknowledged the pool of players to improve with is smaller now.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
Arsenal’s leadership can still seek a forward in the January window or wait until next summer to try again. The club’s recruitment choices and why a front-line, world-class attacker was not secured this summer are likely to be discussed internally and among supporters.
KEY FACTS
- Arsenal won the league last season and lost the Champions League final on penalties to PSG.
- Targets pursued this summer included Morgan Rogers, Bradley Barcola, Julian Álvarez and Vinícius Júnior.
- Signings: Bruno Guimarães (£75m), Ezri Konsa (£55m), Piero Hincapié permanent (£34.5m), Christos Tzolis (£34m).
- Departures: Gabriel Jesus to Barcelona (£12.8m), Leandro Trossard to Beşiktaş (£15.3m), Christian Nørgaard to Everton (£7m); Gabriel Martinelli reported close to Al-Hilal for ~£60m.
- Arsenal stuck to an £80m valuation for Morgan Rogers; Chelsea later paid £117m for him.