The Premier League champions aren’t sitting still. Arsenal’s title defence hasn’t even kicked off yet, and Mikel Arteta is already engineering the kind of squad overhaul that could keep north London on top for years. So what’s actually happening at the Emirates this summer?
Let’s break it all down.
The Deals Already Done
Arsenal have been quiet — but not idle. Piero Hincapie’s loan from Bayer Leverkusen has been made permanent after 39 appearances in a title-winning campaign. The Ecuadorian defender, who can play left-back and centre-back, cost around €52 million.
Goalkeeper Illan Meslier has also arrived on a free transfer from Leeds United. He’s expected to serve as third-choice behind David Raya, signing just a two-year deal with an option for a third.
On the way out:
- Jakub Kiwior has joined Porto permanently
- Karl Hein moved to Werder Bremen
- Leandro Trossard is heading to Besiktas in a deal worth €18 million plus €2 million in add-ons, confirmed by Fabrizio Romano
With Trossard gone, Arsenal now need reinforcements. And they’re chasing two of the Premier League’s biggest names.
Bruno Guimaraes and Morgan Rogers: Arsenal’s Double Dream
The real fireworks are in the negotiations. Arsenal want Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle and Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa — simultaneously.
Guimaraes has reportedly agreed personal terms on a contract until 2031. Both Ben Jacobs and Fabrizio Romano have confirmed that a verbal agreement exists between the player and Arsenal. The Brazilian has even handed in a transfer request.
But Newcastle aren’t budging easily. They’re asking for £90 million. Arsenal’s opening bid of £55 million was rejected. A second approach at £65 million was also waved away. According to the Daily Mail’s Craig Hope, £75 million is the figure that could finally move the needle.
Romano said it plainly: “Bruno Guimaraes wants to go to Arsenal. Personal terms would not be an issue.”
Then there’s Rogers. The 23-year-old Aston Villa attacker is Arteta’s other priority. FootballTransfers reported that personal terms are “very, very close,” with Rogers ready to commit to a five-year contract.
Villa, however, want £130 million — a British-record fee. Arsenal’s opening offer is expected to land around £72.5 million. There’s a gap, but Villa’s financial pressures under UEFA scrutiny could force a compromise.
Transfer expert Ben Jacobs told the Latte Firm podcast: “I do expect Arsenal to sign Morgan Rogers. When Rogers extended last year, there was an understanding that he could leave this summer for a fee of £80 million as a starting point.”
Could Arsenal really land both? It’d cost upwards of £150 million. But for a club defending its crown, that might just be the price of ambition.
Barcola: Arsenal’s Plan B on the Wing
If Rogers proves too expensive, don’t rule out Bradley Barcola. The PSG winger has grown frustrated with limited starts under Luis Enrique, particularly after being left out of PSG’s Champions League final lineup.
Arsenal and Liverpool are both monitoring him. PSG reportedly want around €150 million, but sources suggest they’d accept less given the club is already pursuing replacements in Maghnes Akliouche and Yan Diomande.
Barcola’s camp is “actively exploring” options after the World Cup. Arsenal view him as a serious alternative, not just a fallback. At 23, with pace and technical skill to burn, he’d give Arteta exactly the left-wing threat he’s after.
Former France defender Marcel Desailly urged him to stay in Paris, but Barcola appears to want regular football — something Arsenal can offer.
With rivals like Manchester City, Liverpool, and Chelsea all in transition after managerial changes, Arsenal have a window of opportunity. Arteta’s side open the 2026/27 season at home to newly promoted Coventry City. The fixture list gets trickier after that, with early games against Aston Villa and Chelsea.
But the message from the Emirates is clear: stand still and you’ll be overtaken. Arsenal have the title. Now they want to keep it.
