Arsenal's Transfer Activity: Arteta Confirms More Signings Ahead of Deadline

Mikel Arteta insists Arsenal are “really active” in the final weeks of the transfer window, with the Premier League champions still hunting reinforcements before the deadline.

Arsenal have already carried out major surgery on a title-winning squad. Bruno Guimaraes has arrived to add steel and control in midfield, Christos Tzolis to sharpen the attack, and Illan Meslier to strengthen the goalkeeping department. Ezri Konsa has also completed a £51m move from Aston Villa, with the England defender’s switch to North London agreed and an official announcement imminent.

All of that, and they are not done yet.

Arteta pushes for more as deadline looms

Arsenal begin their 2026/27 Premier League campaign at home to Coventry City tonight, with Frank Lampard bringing his newly promoted side to the Emirates. The champions will walk out as the team to beat, but Arteta’s focus is already split between the pitch and the market.

“We are really active in the market, I think I mentioned that a few days ago. The ambition is to improve the squad,” he said in his pre‑match press conference.

The need is clear. The long-term injury to William Saliba has left a hole in the back line, and Arteta did not try to disguise it.

“We have a really specific issue in the backline, especially with the long-term injury of Wilo [Saliba] and the fact that we miss one more defender; that's clear. So we are trying to reinforce that area. Whenever we're ready, we'll announce something.”

Arsenal are also understood to be exploring options for another forward, while several fringe players are expected to move on before the September 1 deadline. The champions are trimming and upgrading at the same time, trying to stay ahead of the league they just conquered.

New signings, new edge

If there is disruption behind the scenes, it has not dulled Arteta’s enthusiasm for his summer business. He believes the arrivals of Guimaraes, Tzolis and Meslier have already changed the feel of the dressing room.

“Yes, that's what the new signings bring: a new energy, something to prove in front of them as well, and obviously a competition,” he said. “And when you talk about players of that quality and leadership, the same with Christos [Tzolis] or with Illan [Meslier], what they've done since day one, I think it lifts the level of everybody.”

Fresh faces, renewed competition, and a manager still demanding more with the window ticking down. Arsenal may be champions, but they are behaving like a side that knows standing still is not an option.