Mikel Arteta's Arsenal aimed for a game-changing attacker after their Champions League final defeat to PSG. Despite winning the Premier League title last season, the Gunners struggled to land primary targets. Sporting director Andrea Berta pursued Morgan Rogers, Bradley Barcola, and Julian Alvarez, but the club missed out on all three.

Arsenal's pursuit of Vinicius Jr. ultimately failed as Real Madrid offered a bigger package. Morgan Rogers joined Chelsea for £117m after Arsenal held firm on an £80m valuation. Julian Alvarez returned to Atletico Madrid despite Arteta's plans.

Arsenal did strengthen the squad with Bruno Guimaraes for £75m, Ezri Konsa for £55m, and Piero Hincapie made permanent for £34.5m. Christos Tzolis joined for £34m. However, key exits include Gabriel Martinelli, close to a £60m move to Al-Hilel, and Leandro Trossard moving to Besiktas for £15.3m.

The club's ambition to join the world's super-clubs faces questions after a window of high spending but missed opportunities.