Rating Arsenal's new signings for the 2025/26 season: The key to a historic championship.
After a 22-year wait, Arsenal have returned to the Premier League title thanks to a shrewd transfer strategy that brought in key players like Viktor Gyokeres and Martin Zubimendi.
The 2025/26 season has gone down in Arsenal's history as a glorious milestone. With their first Premier League title in over two decades and a Champions League runner-up finish, Mikel Arteta's team officially solidified their position as the strongest team in England. This resounding success did not come from luck, but was the result of a well-planned and effective transfer window.
The attacking trio and midfielders: Game-changing pieces.
Viktor Gyokeres (Grade B - €63 million from Sporting CP):The Swedish striker was the answer to Arsenal's long-standing problem of finding the perfect center forward. With over 20 goals in his debut season, Gyokeres became the first Arsenal player to reach this milestone since Alexis Sanchez (2014/15 season). His tenacious fighting spirit and brilliant performances against Everton directly led the Gunners to the league title.
Martin Zubimendi (Grade B - €69.3 million from Real Sociedad):Brought in to bolster the midfield, the Spanish midfielder formed an effective partnership with Declan Rice. Although his fitness declined somewhat towards the end of the season due to the demanding schedule, his influence in controlling the tempo in the first half of the season was undeniable.
Eberechi Eze (Grade B - €69.3 million from Crystal Palace):Eze has proven himself to be a player for big matches. His two braces in the North London derbies against arch-rivals Tottenham and the decisive goal against Newcastle were pivotal moments that directly determined the title race.
Defense: Smart signings
Cristhian Mosquera (Point B - 15 million euros from Valencia):Arsenal pulled off a spectacular deal to sign Mosquera cheaply by taking advantage of his contract extension. The 21-year-old defender showed incredible versatility, performing well in both centre-back and right-back positions. Notably, he effectively neutralized PSG star Kvaratskhelia for much of the Champions League final before making a costly mistake that led to a penalty.
Piero Hincapie (Grade B - Loaned from Bayer Leverkusen):Hincapie's presence has made Arsenal's defense more solid than ever. His attacking contributions have also been impressive, exemplified by his crucial assist for Gyokeres' goal in March.
Low points and contingency plans
Noni Madueke (Grade C - €56 million from Chelsea):Madueke has done a fairly good job of relieving pressure on Bukayo Saka, especially in cup competitions. However, his inconsistency in the Premier League is the reason he hasn't been able to receive a higher rating.
Kepa Arrizabalaga (Grade C - €5.8 million from Chelsea):Despite making mistakes in the Carabao Cup final, Kepa generally fulfilled his role as a backup goalkeeper in a season where Arsenal prioritized the big competitions.
Christian Norgaard (Grade D - €11.6 million from Brentford):This is perhaps the most disappointing signing. At 32, the Danish midfielder is unable to compete for a starting spot, and is even behind young talent Myles Lewis-Skelly in manager Arteta's priorities.
In summary, despite some minor flaws, Arsenal's 2025/26 transfer window was a resounding success, laying the foundation for a new era of dominance for the North London club.
