Arsenal are refusing to become complacent following their first Premier League crown in 22 years. A heartbreaking penalty shoot-out loss in the Champions League final to Paris Saint-Germain will only drive Mikel Arteta’s squad to pursue reinforcements during the summer transfer window.
While the Gunners boast considerable squad depth, the chance to bolster their midfield could prove tempting considering the enormous burden that Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi have carried throughout this campaign. Without the midfield pair available, the gaping void in the centre of the park has resulted in surprising setbacks such as their FA Cup exit to Southampton.
Manchester City and Liverpool are both undergoing rebuilding phases, with Arsenal positioned to strengthen an established and assured squad following an exceptionally fruitful season.
The Captain’s Departure and the Rogers Gamble
Bringing in fresh talent might trigger the exit of club captain Martin Odegaard. The 27-year-old has endured his poorest campaign in an Arsenal shirt, battling fitness issues and patchy form while managing merely one league goal. Odegaard has faced scrutiny for his lack of influence and the dramatic decline in his offensive output.
An ideal replacement to assume the creative responsibilities within the Arsenal side would be Aston Villa sensation Morgan Rogers. The Europa League champions have slapped an £80million price tag on the England international, who Arsenal are pursuing following his impressive tally of 14 goals and 12 assists during Villa’s successful campaign.
The 23-year-old’s boldness when taking on defenders could provide an extra layer of invention to Arsenal’s attacking play. That said, prising him away from Unai Emery’s squad will prove no easy feat.
Building a Midfield Powerhouse
Sandro Tonali continues to be linked with a switch to north London, with Newcastle’s bottom-half finish ruling them out of European competition next term. The Italian’s robust style and capacity to influence proceedings at both ends of the pitch would enable the Gunners to sustain their midfield supremacy. According to Italian publication Corriere della Sera, securing Tonali’s services could set Arsenal back more than £70million.
Arteta’s reluctance to utilise Christian Norgaard extensively throughout the season placed enormous strain on Zubimendi, who clocked up 4,299 minutes this term. The Spaniard’s form dipped during the closing stages, which might prompt the Gunners to pursue West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes to strengthen their options. CIES Football Observatory estimates the 21-year-old’s worth at as much as £63million, and he’s caught the attention of several elite sides with his displays for the Hammers despite their relegation.
The Portuguese star’s dynamic style and creative flair in attack are complemented by his prowess in winning possession and disrupting opposition momentum.
Arsenal’s Dream Midfield for Next Season
With these additions, Arsenal could line up a formidable midfield unit next season: Rice, Zubimendi, Rogers, Tonali, and Fernandes. This blend of steel, creativity, endurance, and youthful dynamism would give Arteta the depth and quality needed to compete on multiple fronts without the heavy reliance seen this term.
Following Arsenal’s Premier League triumph, Arteta emphasised his determination to establish a sustained winning mentality.
“What I said to the boys is that this shirt now represents something else. We are the champions and that brings a lot of confidence and a different kind of presence and energy to it. But as well [as] another kind of responsibility as well. My job now, and everybody at the club, is going to be to live those standards now and achieve more and more because I think we are capable of winning.”
By potentially moving on Odegaard and investing heavily in Morgan Rogers and supporting midfield talent, Arsenal are signalling a clear intent: the Premier League champions are not content with one title. They are building a dynasty in the engine room that could dominate English and European football for years to come. The new midfield era at the Emirates has officially begun.