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The Gunners are under pressure to make a strong statement in the transfer market this summer after being outmanoeuvred by Chelsea.

Back in January 2023, Arsenal were in hot pursuit of Mykhailo Mudryk before Chelsea swooped in and secured the winger’s signature. Arsenal quickly shifted focus to Leandro Trossard, signing him for roughly a third of Mudryk’s fee — a move that ultimately worked out brilliantly for them.

Now, three and a half years later, Arsenal once again find themselves needing to pivot in the transfer window.

Big decisions lie ahead for the North London side. Pre-season training has already begun, and the new Premier League season is just a month away.

The club is expected to finalise the signing of Christos Tzolis this week, though he is seen as a direct replacement for Leandro Trossard rather than an additional attacking reinforcement.

This deal is separate from Arsenal’s pursuit of a marquee signing, as the club continues to explore options to strengthen their attack, midfield, and defensive depth.

While there is both financial flexibility and ambition at Emirates Stadium, the summer window has so far brought more frustration than success — though there remains time for the situation to change.

Arsenal are now forced to move on to alternative targets, and the key question is who will become their next transfer priority.

The Gunners have shown interest in Bradley Barcola, though no formal approach was made while the club’s attention was on Rogers. Paris Saint-Germain, however, are likely to demand a hefty transfer fee for the winger.

Reports also indicate that Arsenal are considering entering the race for Ivorian forward Yan Diomande, currently attracting interest from PSG and Liverpool.

RB Leipzig are expected to stand firm on their valuation of over £100 million for the 19-year-old, which could lead Arsenal to allocate those funds elsewhere.

One possible strategy could involve pursuing a more versatile forward capable of playing both centrally and out wide.

Eberechi Eze fits that mould — comfortable as a No.10 or on the left flank — a role similar to the one Rogers would have occupied, which could then allow for additional investment in a striker.

Julian Alvarez remains a dream target for Mikel Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta. Their admiration for the 26-year-old forward stretches back beyond last summer.

Alvarez is keen to leave Atletico Madrid during this transfer window, although his preference is a move to Barcelona.

Atletico Madrid, however, remain firm in their stance that Alvarez will not be sold — particularly not to Barcelona. This could potentially give Arsenal an opening to make a move for Alvarez as their marquee signing of the summer, though such a deal remains uncertain.

Arsenal have been linked with Bradley Barcola, Julian Alvarez, and Yan Diomande as potential transfer targets.

The club is also assessing its defensive options, with William Saliba’s fitness playing a crucial role in those plans.

Saliba was forced off during France’s World Cup semi-final loss to Spain due to a recurring back injury he has been dealing with for some time.

Some reports suggest he could face up to five months on the sidelines, though no final decision has been made regarding potential surgery.

While Cristhian Mosquera impressed in his debut season in England, and players like Jurrien Timber and Piero Hincapie can also fill in at centre-back, it is no surprise that Arsenal are evaluating all possibilities.

Ezri Konsa and John Stones have emerged as potential candidates. If Saliba faces a prolonged absence, Arsenal will need ready-made Premier League players — and both Konsa and Stones fit that profile without requiring an adaptation period.

Konsa’s versatility also adds value, especially given Ben White and Timber’s injury histories. His addition would further reinforce the right-back position.

Andrea Berta’s transfer approach is well-known — he prefers to explore a wide range of players before narrowing down to top targets once the market landscape is clear.

After missing out on Morgan Rogers, Arsenal’s recruitment team now faces the challenge of quickly identifying and securing alternative reinforcements to offset that setback.