Having not won the Premier League since 2004, Arsenal fans are growing increasingly desperate for their club to reclaim the title. However, Mikel Arteta’s side keep falling short.
The Gunners have finished second in each of the past two seasons, narrowly missing out by just two points to Manchester City last year and five points the season before.
While it’s still early days, all signs suggest Arsenal may once again miss out, with Liverpool seemingly unstoppable under Arne Slot.
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So, what’s holding them back? Is it a shaky defence? Probably not. Is it the absence of an elite winger who can rack up goals and assists like Mohamed Salah does for Liverpool? Possibly.
Or is it the lack of a world-class striker who can deliver goals week in, week out, much like Erling Haaland has for City? Definitely.
To finally get over the line and win their first title in over a decade, here are six players we believe Arsenal should target in the summer to restore their former glory.
1
Viktor Gyokeres
Sporting CP
Signing a world-class striker is Arsenal’s top priority, with many believing it’s the missing piece that will finally see them lift the Premier League title once again.
Viktor Gyokeres is undoubtedly the player they should pursue with everything they’ve got.
Often compared to Haaland due to his size, speed, strength, and natural goalscoring instinct, the sensational Swede has netted an impressive 77 goals, including 34 in 33 games this term, for Sporting since the start of last season – a tally that no other player in Europe is even close to matching.
You wouldn’t blame him if he wanted to prove himself in a bigger league, and former Gunners defender Bacary Sagna believes Arsenal’s style of play would be perfect for the 26-year-old.
“He’s amazing,” Sagna told Metro. “He’s a pure striker who would add depth to the squad. He’s also quite tall, so whenever the team is out wide, they can deliver crosses, which has been missing a bit, for me.”
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2
Leroy Sane
Bayern Munich
If Arsenal sign Viktor Gyokeres, he’ll need quality service from both flanks to maximise his goalscoring potential.
Bukayo Saka is the ideal provider from the right, but his increasing injury troubles are becoming a concern, while on the left, Gabriel Martinelli remains inconsistent.
Bayern Munich’s Leroy Sane could be the perfect solution to both problems. Capable of playing on either wing, the Germany international has registered 25 assists over the past two and a half seasons. He’s also chipped in with 31 goals of his own.
Now in and out of the Bayern team, Sane is out of contract at the end of the campaign and has yet to agree to a new deal, making his departure from the Allianz Arena increasingly likely.
His versatility, ruthlessness in the final third and proven Premier League experience – having previously starred for Manchester City – would make him an excellent addition to Arsenal’s squad.
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3
Bryan Mbeumo
Brentford
Saka is frequently sidelined with injuries, Martinelli blows hot and cold, and Kai Havertz has yet to deliver consistently.
Gabriel Jesus, while brilliant when fit, struggles to stay available for more than a handful of games before another injury setback. Leandro Trossard, meanwhile, is now 30, and while still valuable, his influence is starting to wane.
Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo, who has 14 goals this season, would be an excellent addition to the squad. Not only could he provide backup for Gyokeres – should Arsenal land the Swede – but his ability to operate out wide would also give Arteta additional options in attack.
Mbeumo’s pace, intelligent movement, and finishing ability make him a constant threat, while his versatility ensures he could cover multiple positions in the frontline. With his proven Premier League pedigree, he would be a smart, dynamic signing to help Arsenal finally bridge the gap to a league title.
4
Daniel Munoz
Crystal Palace
Despite their defensive solidity, right-back remains a potential weak spot in Arsenal’s defence. Jurrien Timber is dependable but appears more comfortable at centre-back and lacks the attacking output expected of modern full-backs.
The Gunners still have no natural backup to the injured Ben White – a fact Mikel Arteta highlighted when questioned about deploying midfielder Thomas Partey in the role in his absence: “I have no choice. I don’t have another right full-back.”
Crystal Palace’s Daniel Muñoz has been one of the Premier League’s standout right-backs since arriving at Selhurst Park in January 2024. As of February 2025, he leads the league in combined tackles and interceptions this season, while also contributing three goals and two assists.
With his relentless work rate and pressing ability, the Colombian would not only add to Arsenal’s depth at right-back, but also bring an attacking threat their current options lack.
5
Kenneth Taylor
Ajax
Arsenal’s central midfield lacks depth, particularly in attacking creativity. Without captain and talisman Martin Odegaard, the team often struggled to generate chances and score goals from the middle of the park.
While Odegaard will remain the first-choice playmaker, Mikel Arteta needs a reliable alternative – both to cover for injuries and to offer the Norwegian much-needed rest.
According to CaughtOffside, Ajax midfielder Kenneth Taylor has emerged as Arsenal’s preferred target to fill this role.
The 22-year-old has been outstanding in Amsterdam over the past season and a half, contributing 18 goals and 13 assists across all competitions for Francesco Farioli’s side.
Arsenal have a strong history of recruiting ex-Ajax stars, with legends like Dennis Bergkamp, Nwankwo Kanu and Thomas Vermaelen among their past successes. Taylor has the potential to follow in their footsteps – and in our view, he absolutely should.
6
Ronald Araujo
Barcelona
While Arteta’s main priority this summer will likely be bolstering Arsenal’s attack, reinforcing the defence remains a possibility – especially if William Saliba makes a widely rumoured move to Real Madrid.
According to Mundo Deportivo, the Gunners were preparing a bid for Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo in January, though no deal materialised. However, with Saliba’s future potentially uncertain and Araujo hinting at an openness to playing in the Premier League, Arsenal could reignite their interest.
The Uruguayan is one of Europe’s most commanding defenders, blending pace, strength, and exceptional passing ability. He also poses a significant aerial threat in the opposition box, as evidenced by his seven headed goals for Barcelona – including four from corners.
