Arsenal's pursuit of a top-tier attacker this past summer, following their Premier League title win, involved a broad shortlist of more than 20 players. The club's transfer strategy, spearheaded by sporting director Edu Gaspar and manager Mikel Arteta, aimed to capitalize on their league success by reinforcing the squad with an elite forward.
Despite securing talent in defense and midfield, the club's primary objective of adding a proven attacker proved challenging. Viktor Rogers emerged as the club's principal target. Initial indications suggested the forward was keen to join Arsenal, with the club valuing him at £80 million. However, Aston Villa's valuation of Rogers increased to £120 million following the £116 million transfer of Alex Scott from Bristol City to Manchester City. Chelsea ultimately signed Rogers for £117 million, a move Arsenal declined to match, believing their £80 million valuation was appropriate. This decision has raised questions about whether an earlier move could have secured Rogers.
The failure to sign Rogers marked the first in a series of disappointments in Arsenal's quest for a left-sided attacker. The club also held genuine belief in their chances of signing Vinicius Jr. from Real Madrid before he signed a new contract. The potential transfer, which would have likely set a British record fee, was financially supported by Arsenal, who saw significant benefits for Arteta's team and the player's commercial value. However, sources indicated that Vinicius Jr. did not wish to leave Real Madrid, with some suggesting Arsenal was being used to leverage a better contract for the player in Spain. These concerns were realized when Vinicius Jr. committed his future to Real Madrid.
Similar aspirations were present for Julian Alvarez. While Arsenal pursued the Atletico Madrid forward, it was widely understood that his preference was to join Barcelona. Despite Atletico Madrid's reluctance to sell to Barcelona, Arsenal, under Gaspar and Arteta, persisted until the final days of the window, hoping Alvarez might change his mind. He ultimately chose to remain with Atletico.
Arsenal also explored other options, including Chelsea striker Joao Pedro, who was deemed unavailable for transfer. Concerns were also raised about his fit within Arteta's system. The report suggests that Gaspar often relies on his extensive network of agent connections rather than solely on the club's internal scouting data when analyzing the market. For instance, the club pivoted towards Viktor Gyokeres, currently a second-choice striker, after scouting information had initially pointed towards Benjamin Sesko. The late interest in Lyon winger Malick Fofana is cited as another example, stemming from an offer through management agency Roc Nation, with whom Gaspar has a significant relationship.
It remains to be seen how Arsenal's inability to sign a recognized top-level attacker will impact their season, especially considering the departures of Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli.