Arsenal 10 Transfer Targets as Arteta Weighs Man Utd Hijack – North London, 2026

Key Points

• Arsenal are linked with 10 players ahead of the summer 2026 transfer window following their Premier League title win
• Mikel Arteta is reportedly considering hijacking two Manchester United deals, including West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes
• Mateus Fernandes has identified Manchester United as his “first pick” destination, but Arsenal have joined the race
• Piero Hincapie will be Arsenal’s first summer signing, with the club triggering a £45m buy option from Bayer Leverkusen
• Julian Alvarez remains a priority target despite competition from PSG and Barcelona
• Arsenal may offload up to eight players including Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard, and Ben White
• Morgan Rogers from Aston Villa is a key target with United, Arsenal, and Chelsea all competing
• Other targets include Sandro Tonali (Newcastle), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle), and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia (PSG)
• Arsenal lost the Champions League final to PSG in a penalty shootout, with David Raya crying and Gabriel missing the decisive penalty
• The club plans to strengthen central midfield, left wing, and front three positions

Arsenal (North London News) June 2, 2026, are already being linked with as many as 10 players ahead of this summer’s transfer window, with manager Mikel Arteta reportedly weighing up the possibility of intercepting two Manchester United transfers as the Gunners prepare to defend their Premier League title. The north London club is set for a busy few months in the transfer market following their league triumph, according to reports from Football London.

Which 10 players are Arsenal targeting this summer?

According to The Mirror, Arsenal’s transfer list includes West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes, Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers, Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez, Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali, Newcastle winger Anthony Gordon, PSG’s Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez, Porto’s Victor Froholdt, West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes, and Bayer Leverkusen defender Piero Hincapie.

The Mirror reports that Arsenal aims to outmaneuver Manchester United in securing two particular signings, with West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes being one of the key targets. As reported by the Mirror,

“Arsenal is reportedly focusing on a list of up to ten players as the summer transfer window approaches, with Mikel Arteta’s team potentially set to compete with Manchester United for two key signings”.

How will Arsenal respond to Champions League final heartbreak?

Mikel Arteta and Arsenal will look to bounce back from their heartbreaking defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final, having lost in a tense penalty shootout. The final whistle brought scenes of pure emotion as Arsenal players struggled to process how close they came to lifting Europe’s biggest trophy.

As reported in the YouTube coverage of the match,

“From David Raya collapsing to the ground in tears, to Gabriel’s heartbreaking reaction after missing the decisive penalty, and Eberechi Eze sitting in complete shock, this was one of the most painful moments in Arsenal’s recent history”.

While PSG celebrated Champions League glory, Arsenal players were left heartbroken after seeing their dream slip away in the cruelest way possible.

Which players might Arsenal sell to fund new signings?

Arsenal “will definitely have to sell” this summer, according to reports, with Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli, and Ethan Nwaneri among the potential departures. According to CBS Sports, Arsenal may let go of up to eight first-team players as they seek to create room for new signings during the summer transfer window.

The report suggests that individuals such as Ben White, Gabriel Jesus, Ethan Nwaneri, Gabriel Martinelli, and Leandro Trossard could potentially exit the club.

Additionally, Arsenal is reportedly open to considering offers for Kai Havertz, Martin Ødegaard, and recent signing Cristhian Mosquera, as the club continues to assess how to assemble the most competitive squad for Arteta.

What is the status of Piero Hincapie’s permanent transfer?

Piero Hincapie is expected to secure a permanent move to Arsenal for £45 million following his loan from Bayer Leverkusen. As reported by transfer insider Fabrizio Romano on his YouTube channel,

“Yes, Piero Hincapie will be the first signing for Arsenal in summer 2026. Everything will be formally announced at the very end of the season”.

Romano continued, stating that

“there is already everything signed between Hincapie and Arsenal in terms of contract, a five-year deal. So, it’s already signed and completed. Piero Hincapie already feels as an Arsenal player on a permanent transfer”.

Bayer Leverkusen will receive a total package of €52 million (£45m) and will also keep a 10% sell-on clause for Piero Hincapie.

Is Julian Alvarez still Arsenal’s priority striker target?

Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez is apparently firmly on Arsenal’s wishlist, two years on from his departure from Manchester City. However, Arsenal face a real fight to sign Alvarez, who is also attracting interest from FC Barcelona and PSG ahead of this summer.

As reported by TEAMtalk, PSG have stepped up their interest in signing Alvarez, with head coach Luis Enrique “approving a hijack” on Arsenal and Barcelona for the talented forward.

According to Cadena SER, Alvarez has indicated his desire to leave Atletico, igniting a scramble among European teams eager to secure his services. Barcelona reportedly reached out to Atletico to propose a deal involving Ferran Torres along with a cash offer for the 26-year-old, but this was promptly rejected.

Will Morgan Rogers leave Aston Villa for Arsenal?

According to reports, Mikel Arteta is pushing for Arsenal to sign Aston Villa standout Morgan Rogers ahead of Chelsea and Manchester United. Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea, and PSG are all considering a move for Aston Villa forward Morgan Rogers this summer.

Aston Villa could ignite a major transfer saga this summer after opening the door to selling Morgan Rogers, with the Premier League’s elite all likely to pursue a big-money deal for the England star.

Although Villa have no desire to lose a key figure in Unai Emery’s team, it is suggested that they value Rogers at more than £80m, knowing that the player’s new deal does not contain a release clause.

At 23 years old, Rogers is contracted to Villa Park until 2031, following an extension signed midway through the previous season. Despite Arsenal’s strong interest in acquiring Morgan Rogers, Aston Villa is expected to resist any attempts to let the player go without a struggle.

Which midfielders and wingers are Arsenal monitoring?

Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali is among the players namechecked as being of interest to Arsenal. According to FootballTransfers,

“Arsenal are set to pursue a deal for Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali this summer. Chelsea and Manchester City have also been linked with a move for the midfielder in recent days, but we understand that Arsenal is Tonali’s preferred destination”.

Arsenal are also monitoring Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon and PSG’s Khvicha Kvaratskhelia as potential reinforcements for the left flank, while Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez has also been linked.

According to Sky Sports News, the Gunners are expected to target several high-profile additions in attack, central midfield, and at full-back to consolidate their status among the elite of European football.

West Ham United midfielder Mateus Fernandes and Porto’s Victor Froholdt are cited as potential alternatives for Tonali. According to The Times, Arsenal is now keen on acquiring Fernandes, noting that West Ham may have little option but to offload Fernandes if they are relegated to the Championship to comply with financial regulations.

Background: The Development of Arsenal’s Summer Transfer Strategy

Arsenal’s ambitious summer transfer plans come after a successful 2025-26 season in which the club won the Premier League title but suffered a heartbreaking Champions League final defeat to PSG. The club’s sporting director Andrea Berta reportedly prioritises Julian Alvarez as the club prepares for next season and the transfer window.

The Mirror writes that Arsenal’s progress this season has prompted the club to line up a busy summer in the transfer market as they look to consolidate their position, as well as making a move to tie down Mikel Arteta to a longer deal. The manager’s current deal is set to expire next summer, but Arsenal are reportedly keen on a two-year extension, which is likely to come with a pay rise.

Arsenal are said to be planning a summer of strategic player trading to ensure long-term sustainability, according to Sky Sports News.

The club’s reported summer plan to pursue a more balanced transfer strategy points to a strong commitment to the Premier League’s upcoming Squad Cost Ratio regulations.

Manager Arteta is expected to focus on improving options in central midfield, left wing, and a move for someone who can play across the front three, according to reports. The former City player Alvarez has garnered attention from clubs such as the Gunners, Barcelona, and PSG due to his pivotal role at Atletico Madrid.

Prediction: How This Transfer Activity Could Affect Arsenal Fans and the Squad

Arsenal fans can expect a significantly strengthened squad for the 2026-27 season, with the club planning to address key positions while maintaining financial sustainability. The potential arrival of Piero Hincapie as the first confirmed signing will provide defensive depth, with the Ecuador international already agreeing to a five-year contract at the Emirates Stadium.

If Arsenal successfully sign multiple targets from their list of 10 players, the squad composition will shift considerably. The potential departures of up to eight players, including Gabriel Jesus, Gabriel Martinelli, and Leandro Trossard, could free up significant wages and transfer funds for new acquisitions. This turnover will test squad depth and chemistry as the team attempts to defend their Premier League title.

The competition for Mateus Fernandes with Manchester United, where the player has identified Old Trafford as his “first pick” destination, creates uncertainty around Arsenal’s midfield plans. If Arsenal succeed in hijacking this deal, it would represent a significant statement of intent under Arteta. However, failure to secure Fernandes could force the club to pivot to alternative targets like Victor Froholdt or Sandro Tonali.

For Arsenal supporters, the club’s ability to balance player sales with strategic signings will be crucial. The reported £45m investment in Hincapie alone demonstrates financial commitment, but the potential £80m+ fee for Morgan Rogers or the £130m valuation for Julian Alvarez could test the club’s financial regulations compliance.

Fans will be watching closely to see whether Arteta can assemble a squad capable of sustaining Premier League challenge while competing more effectively in the Champions League after the penalty shootout heartbreak against PSG.

The outcome of this transfer window will likely determine whether Arsenal can maintain their title-winning form or face a period of adjustment as new players integrate into Arteta’s system. With the manager’s contract extension also on the agenda, the summer’s activities will shape the club’s trajectory for years to come.