Arsenal ended last season in second place with 74 points and a +35 goal difference. It was their best tally under Mikel Arteta and good enough for another Champions League run. Now the transfer window is open and supporters want upgrades that turn near-misses into silverware. Here is where the main stories stand and what the club should do next.

The Winger Chase Heats UpRodrygo Moves to the Front of the Queue

Arsenal have switched focus from Nico Williams to Real Madrid’s Rodrygo Goes after the Spaniard’s wage demands climbed. Reports in Spain note that Rodrygo did not warm up or feature in Madrid’s second pre-season match under Xabi Alonso, fuelling talk that he is surplus to requirements and open to a move. Analysts on Cadena SER called his absence “highly unusual” and linked Arsenal as the most serious bidder.

The Brazilian scored 14 goals in all competitions last year and averaged 0.35 expected goals per 90 minutes in La Liga. That output would have ranked third in the Arsenal squad behind Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli. The challenge is cost. Madrid value him above £75 million. To comply with Premier League spending rules, Arsenal may need to sell two starting-level players before making a formal bid.

Recommendation

Arsenal should structure any Rodrygo deal with heavy performance add-ons. A base fee near £55 million plus bonuses keeps short-term cash flow under control while rewarding Madrid if the winger excels. That mirrors the Zinchenko and Odegaard formulas that have worked well.

The Striker Saga Rolls OnSesko’s Wage Stand-Off

RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Šeško was Arteta’s preferred No.9 for height, pressing and age profile. Talks stalled when the 21-year-old’s camp asked for a package exceeding £250,000 per week. Club sources told ESPN the board “balked” at demands that would break Arsenal’s internal salary tiers.

The numbers explain the hesitation. Šeško scored 14 Bundesliga goals last season at 0.54 non-penalty goals per 90. Good, but not yet elite. Paying him more than Gabriel Jesus and Martin Ødegaard sets a risky precedent.

Alternatives on the Radar

If Leipzig refuse to lower the asking price, Arsenal could pivot to Sporting’s Viktor Gyökeres. The Swedish forward carries an £85 million clause but is open to a lower wage. There is also quiet interest in Brentford’s Ivan Toney, whose contract enters its final year in January.

Recommendation

Stick to the wage ceiling. Arsenal have rebuilt harmony by keeping top earners within a narrow band. Offer Sesko a rising deal with heavy goal bonuses or walk away and revisit the market in January.

Building from the BackCentre-Back Cover Is a Must

Crystal Palace defender Marc Guéhi is admired, but sources say the England international prefers Liverpool for guaranteed minutes. Jurrien Timber’s return from injury helps, yet Arsenal still need one more left-footed centre-back for rotation.

The club tracked Ajax’s Jorrel Hato all spring, and the 18-year-old remains an option. A lower-cost alternative is Fulham’s Tosin Adarabioyo, available for under £20 million with one year left on his deal.

Recommendation

Secure a defender early. Depth saved Arsenal last winter when Tomiyasu covered both flanks. Similar cover in the middle will let Arteta maintain a high line across four competitions.

Balancing the Books

Arsenal’s wage-to-turnover ratio sits near 55 percent, below the Premier League red line of 70. Transfer profit from academy sales helps, but big signings will force exits. Expected departures include Emile Smith Rowe and Eddie Nketiah, who could fetch a combined £50 million. Any deal for Kieran Tierney would add headroom.

Smart sales matter because UEFA’s new squad cost rules cap spend at 80 percent of revenue this season and drop to 70 percent next year. Arsenal’s commercial income rose after Champions League qualification, yet discipline is crucial to avoid future penalties.

Recommendation

Push for permanent sales rather than loans. Insert sell-on clauses where market value may rise, as with Balogun’s move to Monaco last year.

Supporter Takeaways

Transfer windows create noise. Some tips for staying sane:

Track reliable outlets. Follow club announcements, BBC Sport and well-sourced beat writers. Ignore recycled rumours without attribution.Understand the budget. Every £10 million fee now costs near £3 million per year in amortisation over a five-year deal. That affects future windows.Stay civil online. Passionate debate is fine, personal abuse is not. If forums get toxic, moderators can remove negative posts from reddit to keep discussion productive.Celebrate the core. Last season the Gunners conceded just 29 league goals, their best defensive record in 20 years. Stability beats constant churn.Looking Ahead

A supercomputer forecast released this week tips Arsenal to finish second again in 2025-26, three points behind Liverpool. Predictions are guesses, not destiny. With one or two smart signings and continued growth from Saka, Rice and Ødegaard, Arsenal can close that gap.

Pre-season starts on 10 July in Los Angeles. Arteta wants at least one new face in the squad before boarding the flight. Whether it is Rodrygo, Sesko or someone off the radar, the priorities are clear: a high-quality winger, a reliable striker and depth in defence.

Fans should judge the window on net impact, not headline names. Arsenal rose from fifth to second by blending clever deals with academy talent. Repeat that balance and the Emirates could be celebrating more than near-misses next May.