Despite winning their first Premier League title in over two decades, Arsenal don’t appear to be resting on their laurels and are making a push to defend their trophy.
The Gunners finally completed the £75m signing of midfielder Bruno Guimarães from fellow Premier League side Newcastle United early on Saturday morning.
Andrea Berta has handed Mikel Arteta one of his key targets this window, with the Brazilian joining Illan Meslier and winger Christos Tzolis in arriving at the Emirates.
The attacking department could yet be improved further, as seen by their hunt for Vinícius Júnior, but missing out on his signature could prove to be a huge boost for one player.
Why missing out on Vini Jr could be good news for Arsenal
As previously mentioned, Real Madrid star Vinicius has rejected a move to Arsenal this summer in order to pen a new six-year contract with the Spanish giants.
The 26-year-old was seen as one of the Gunners’ main transfer targets this summer and missing out on his signature will no doubt be a bitter blow for Arteta.
However, it could be music to the ears of current Arsenal attacker Gabriel Martinelli, who will undoubtedly enter the new campaign with a point to prove at the Emirates.
The 25-year-old endured a relatively quiet campaign last time around, only netting one league goal and leading to the hierarchy hunting for added attacking reinforcements.
|
Gabriel Martinelli – PL goals by season for Arsenal |
|
|---|---|
|
Season |
Tally |
|
2025/2026 |
1 |
|
2024/2025 |
8 |
|
2023/2024 |
6 |
|
2022/2023 |
15 |
|
2021/2022 |
6 |
|
2020/2021 |
2 |
|
2019/2020 |
3 |
The Brazilian will see such a decision as motivation to prove the higher-ups wrong and showcase that he’s a player who can still play a huge part in any success in North London.
Martinelli has previously demonstrated his class in England’s top-flight, as seen in 2022/23, where he netted 15 goals and ended the year as the club’s joint top scorer.
Should the attacker get back to such levels during the upcoming campaign, he will be just as good as a new addition – with the club needing to show faith in the forward to reap the full rewards.
How Arsenal can land a star who’s just like Vini Jr
Even though the club have missed out on a deal for Vinicius, that’s not to say their efforts have been deterred in the market – with other attacking options still being considered.
PSG star Bradley Barcola is just one player who has constantly appeared on the Gunners’ radar, but they will need to fork out at least £128m if they are to secure his signature this window.
As a result, the hierarchy appear to be working their way down the transfer shortlist, which has seen Real Madrid attacker Endrick emerge as the latest name linked with a move to the Emirates.
It’s been reported by TEAMtalk that talks have been held with the player’s representatives over the possibility of a move to the Premier League this summer.
They also claim the likes of Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur have also been in contact, with the Spanish giants only wanting to sanction a loan move for the 20-year-old.
Whilst he may not currently be at the same level as Vinicius, he’s a talented player who’s already followed in his compatriot’s footsteps despite his tender age and according to previous reports, could be available for around £43m.
He made the move to Madrid two years ago from his hometown club in Brazil, just as Vinicius did in 2018, which could see him set for a huge future at the top of the European game.
Endrick has often had to bide his time for opportunities at the Bernabeu, which saw him spend the second half of last season on loan at French side Lyon.
Such a move was perfect for the youngster’s development, with his impressive figures from his time in Ligue 1 also showcasing why he possesses all the tools to become as coveted as his compatriot.
Despite featuring just 16 times in France’s top-flight, the 20-year-old managed to register 12 combined goals and assists – the third highest tally of any player in Paulo Fonseca’s squad.
Such a figure highlights his phenomenal ability within the final third of the pitch – an asset to Vinicius’ game which made him a key target for Arteta this summer.
Endrick also managed to complete an impressive tally of 2.7 successful dribbles per 90, which demonstrates his ability to glide past the opposition – just like his fellow countryman.
He often added the end product to his mazy runs – as seen with his goal contributions – which saw him register 2.2 chances created per 90, ranking him above 97% of attackers in Europe.
As a result of his remarkable impact over recent times, the youngster has received huge praise, with talent scout Jacek Kulig labelling the forward as “world-class.”
Whilst Endrick is certainly not the Gunners’ main transfer target this summer, he’s a player who could hand Arteta the attacking quality he’s craved this summer.
At just 20, he’s only just finding his feet in the European game, with the young prospect having all the tools to reach the levels of Vinicius should he continue on his current trajectory.