The Arsenal transfer window has closed with the Premier League champions facing a major question: did they do enough to strengthen their attack?

Arsenal entered the summer as one of England’s strongest teams after winning the 2025/26 Premier League title. The club also had clear ambitions to build a squad capable of competing on several fronts.

However, the final days of the window brought disappointment.

Arsenal failed to land the elite attacker they had been pursuing, with reports linking the club with players including Julian Alvarez, Vinicius Junior and Morgan Rogers. Alvarez ultimately remained at Atletico Madrid, while Rogers joined Chelsea. SSky Sports+1

That leaves Mikel Arteta with a squad that remains extremely talented but has potentially less depth in the forward positions than it did last season.

The issue is particularly important because Arsenal have lost several attacking players while adding fewer direct replacements.

The club’s summer business was significant in other areas. Bruno Guimaraes strengthened midfield, while Christos Tzolis provided another attacking option. The Premier League’s squad assessment also highlights the quality of Arsenal’s midfield and their established defensive structure. PPremier League

Still, the unanswered question remains at the top of the pitch.

1. Arsenal Did Not Find the Elite Attacker They Wanted

The most obvious concern from the Arsenal transfer window is the failure to sign a major attacking star.

Arsenal were reportedly determined to find a player who could change games consistently at the highest level. That search ultimately produced no major addition in the centre-forward or superstar attacking category.

Sky Sports reported that Arsenal failed in their efforts to bring in Julian Alvarez after also considering Vinicius Junior and Morgan Rogers. SSky Sports

That is significant because Arsenal are no longer trying simply to qualify for the Champions League.

They are trying to remain champions.

The standards are therefore different.

A team competing for the Premier League title needs reliable goals across an entire season. Injuries, suspensions, fixture congestion and dips in form can quickly expose a lack of depth.

Arsenal have quality. The concern is whether they have enough attacking variety.

2. The Forward Line Has Lost Experience

Another major issue is the number of attacking players who have left.

Gabriel Jesus moved to Barcelona, while Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard were also among the notable departures reported around the end of the window. The club therefore lost players who could operate across different attacking roles. TTotal Football News+1

That matters tactically.

Martinelli offered pace and direct running. Trossard provided experience and flexibility. Jesus could operate centrally or from wider areas.

Replacing goals is only part of the equation.

Managers also need to replace movement, pressing, creativity and the ability to change the rhythm of a match.

A squad can have enough recognised forwards on paper and still lack the right combination of qualities.

That is why the concern surrounding Arsenal is not simply about the number of attackers available.

It is about what happens when the first-choice options are unavailable or out of form.

3. Viktor Gyokeres Must Deliver

Viktor Gyokeres could become one of the most important players in Arsenal’s season.

The Swedish striker arrived with enormous expectations after establishing himself as a prolific scorer before moving to north London. Arsenal already have a proven goalscorer in their squad, but the pressure on Gyokeres has increased following the club’s failure to add another elite forward.

The striker does not necessarily have to score every week.

But he needs to provide a consistent focal point.

Arsenal’s attacking system depends on movement around the penalty area, quick combinations and players capable of attacking space. Gyokeres’ physical strength and direct style can offer a different dimension.

However, there is still a question over how effectively he can translate that profile into Arsenal’s possession-heavy approach.

That makes his role particularly important.

If Gyokeres produces a prolific campaign, Arsenal’s decision not to sign another superstar attacker may look much less serious.

If he struggles, the criticism will intensify.

4. Eberechi Eze Could Become Crucial

One of the most interesting developments after the Arsenal transfer window is the opportunity created for Eberechi Eze.

Eze joined Arsenal after establishing himself as one of the Premier League’s most creative attacking players. His ability to operate between midfield and attack gives Arteta another tactical option.

The departure of players such as Martinelli and Trossard could also create more opportunities for Eze to play from the left.

That position may become particularly important.

Eze can carry the ball, create chances and attack defenders one-on-one. He can also move centrally, which could make Arsenal less predictable.

The Premier League’s assessment of Arsenal’s potential 2026/27 line-up lists Eze among the midfield options, alongside Martin Odegaard, Declan Rice, Bruno Guimaraes and Martin Zubimendi. PPremier League

That depth is one reason Arsenal supporters should not assume the club’s attack is suddenly weak.

Arteta has several ways to construct his front line.

Bukayo Saka remains a key figure on the right, while Kai Havertz can operate centrally or in other attacking roles. Noni Madueke also provides another wide option.

The challenge will be keeping those players fit and productive throughout a demanding campaign.

5. Arsenal Can Still Fix the Problem in January

The good news is that the Arsenal transfer window problem does not necessarily have to become a season-long crisis.

The Premier League’s summer window closed on September 1, but the winter transfer window is scheduled to open on January 1, 2027. Arsenal therefore have another opportunity to assess their squad and make adjustments midway through the campaign. AArsenal+1

That could prove valuable.

If Arsenal score freely during the first half of the season, there may be little reason to change the attacking group.

If goals become difficult to find, the club will have several months of evidence to identify exactly what is missing.

January recruitment is rarely straightforward.

Elite forwards are expensive, and selling clubs are reluctant to lose important players halfway through a season.

Nevertheless, Arsenal’s position is stronger than that of many clubs because they already possess a championship-calibre squad.

They do not need to rebuild.

They may only need one carefully selected addition.

Arsenal’s Strength Remains the Midfield

It would be unfair to judge the entire Arsenal transfer window solely by the failure to sign another superstar attacker.

The club made significant improvements elsewhere.

Bruno Guimaraes adds another elite-level midfield option alongside Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi. That gives Arteta considerable flexibility in controlling games.

Arsenal’s defensive structure also remains one of their biggest strengths.

The Premier League highlighted the team’s defensive record during their title-winning campaign, when they recorded 19 clean sheets. PPremier League

That foundation matters.

A team does not need to win every game 3-2 to become champions. Arsenal’s ability to control matches, limit opponents and create territorial pressure remains central to their identity.

The question is whether their attacking output will consistently match that defensive strength.

The Title Race Could Be Affected

The timing of Arsenal’s transfer-window decision could make the issue even more important.

Rivals have also strengthened.

Manchester City made enormous investments, while Chelsea added attacking talent and Liverpool completed major deals. The wider Premier League market was exceptionally active, with spending reaching extraordinary levels. TThe Guardian+1

That means Arsenal cannot assume their existing level will automatically be enough.

Winning the title once changes the competitive environment.

Every opponent wants to knock the champions off the top.

Every weakness becomes a target.

If Arsenal struggle to break down deep defensive blocks, opponents may become more comfortable defending narrowly and forcing Arsenal to create chances without relying on transition opportunities.

That is where an elite attacker can make an enormous difference.

One player capable of producing a goal from a half-chance can completely change a title race.

Arteta Has Reasons for Confidence

Despite the concerns, there are strong arguments in Arsenal’s favour.

The squad remains deep.

The midfield is arguably stronger than before.

Saka remains one of the Premier League’s most influential attacking players. Eze adds creativity, while Madueke and Tzolis provide additional options.

Arsenal also have young players capable of developing into major contributors.

Max Dowman is one example of the emerging talent available to Arteta, while other squad members can take on greater responsibility.

This is particularly important because Arsenal’s success has not been built around one individual.

Arteta’s system depends on collective structure.

The manager has also demonstrated an ability to develop players into different roles. That flexibility could prove decisive if injuries or poor form affect the forward line.

Why January Could Be the Real Test

The most interesting part of Arsenal’s summer decision may therefore come several months from now.

The club’s leadership can now watch how the squad performs under pressure.

Does Gyokeres score consistently?

Can Eze become a regular match-winner?

Does Havertz stay fit?

Can Saka maintain his level through a long season?

Can Madueke provide enough goals and assists?

If the answers are positive, Arsenal’s decision will look calculated.

If several answers are negative, January could become extremely important.

The club will then have a clearer understanding of exactly what it needs.

That could make a January signing more targeted than the summer pursuit of several high-profile names.

Arsenal Still Have a Championship Squad

Ultimately, the Arsenal transfer window should not be described as a failure simply because the club did not sign another superstar attacker.

Arsenal strengthened important areas of the squad and remain among the leading contenders for the Premier League title.

The concern is narrower but significant.

They appear to have accepted greater risk in attack.

That gamble could work.

Gyokeres could establish himself as the prolific striker Arsenal need. Eze could become an important creative force. Saka could remain the team’s attacking leader, while Havertz and the club’s other options provide enough support.

If that happens, the decision to avoid an expensive late transfer may eventually be viewed as sensible squad management.

But if injuries arrive or Arsenal struggle to turn possession into goals, questions will return quickly.

The club had opportunities to sign a major attacker and ultimately did not get the deal done. That leaves Arteta with a fascinating challenge: maximise the attacking talent already available and prove that Arsenal did not need the blockbuster signing many expected.

For now, the champions remain strong.

But the Arsenal transfer window has left one important weakness to monitor — and the Premier League season will provide the answer.

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Arsenal transfer window 2026: Mikel Arteta and Arsenal squad preparing for Premier League season

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