The open-top bus parade through north London had barely finished when Mikel Arteta’s mind turned to the summer transfer window. Arsenal had just secured their first Premier League title in 22 years, ending a drought that stretched back to the Invincibles of 2004. But the celebration was bittersweet: a gut-wrenching penalty shootout loss to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final, following a Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester City, left the squad knowing they were close but not quite there.
Arteta had vowed this would be a ‘big summer’ after finishing runners-up for a third successive season, and sporting director Andrea Berta delivered. In came Martín Zubimendi, Christian Nørgaard, Noni Madueke, Viktor Gyökeres, Cristhian Mosquera and Kepa Arrizabalaga — six signings that strengthened a squad which had conceded the fewest goals in both the Premier League and Champions League. The new arrivals helped Arteta guide the club to their first title since 2004 and their first Champions League final since 2006.
“Arsenal won first Premier League title in 22 years but lost Champions League final, prompting £45m Hincapie deal and free move for Mbemba.”
Yet injuries exposed depth issues at the worst moment. In the Champions League final, Mosquera had to be shifted to right-back, a stopgap that contributed to the defeat. That lesson has not been lost on Arteta and Berta as the summer window opens on June 15. Arsenal are expected to match last year’s record £250m outlay, and they have already made their first move.
Piero Hincapie, the Ecuadorian defender who arrived on loan from Bayer Leverkusen on deadline day in September 2025, will make his move permanent. His name was notably absent from the list of players departing on June 30, and Arsenal have triggered the option to buy him for £45m. The 24-year-old made 39 appearances across all competitions, including the Champions League final loss, and will form a formidable partnership with Riccardo Calafiori heading into August’s Community Shield encounter with City.
Looking further ahead, Arsenal are edging closer to signing Paris Saint-Germain youngster Emmanuel Mbemba on a free transfer. The 18-year-old, who captains PSG’s Under-19s, was offered a new contract by the Parisians but is open to a move to the Premier League champions once his contract expires at the end of June. Early contact has been made with his representatives.
The title is Arsenal’s, but the near misses — the Carabao Cup final defeat, the Champions League final heartbreak — have sharpened Arteta’s ambition. The defence of the Premier League crown begins now.