Arsenal Transfer Plans: Arteta Promises More Business Ahead of Season

Mikel Arteta insists Arsenal are far from finished in the transfer market as the Premier League champions prepare to launch their title defence tonight.

Arsenal open the 2026/27 Premier League season at home to newly promoted Coventry City, with Frank Lampard bringing his side to a North London side that already looks stronger than the one that lifted the trophy last term.

The Gunners have moved aggressively this summer. Bruno Guimaraes has arrived to bolster midfield, Christos Tzolis to add thrust in attack, and Illan Meslier to deepen competition in goal. At the back, Ezri Konsa has completed a £51m switch from Aston Villa, with an official announcement from the club imminent after the England defender finalised his move to the capital.

Arteta, though, is not treating that as a full stop.

“We are really active in the market, I think I mentioned that a few days ago. The ambition is to improve the squad,” he said in his pre‑match press conference.

Arsenal are understood to be targeting another forward before the September 1 deadline, while several fringe players are expected to move on before the window closes.

One area is already flashing red on Arteta’s dashboard.

“We have a really specific issue in the backline, especially with the long-term injury of Wilo [Saliba] and the fact that we miss one more defender; that's clear. So we are trying to reinforce that area. Whenever we're ready, we'll announce something.”

Those absences have sharpened the need for Konsa’s arrival and any further defensive cover, but inside the dressing room the tone is far from anxious. The new signings have changed the mood.

“That’s what the new signings bring: a new energy, something to prove in front of them as well, and obviously a competition,” Arteta said.

He pointed to the impact of his three confirmed additions.

“When you talk about players of that quality and leadership, the same with Christos [Tzolis] or with Illan [Meslier], what they've done since day one, I think it lifts the level of everybody.”

Champions, a fresh spine, a manager still demanding more from the market. Coventry arrive at the Emirates tonight facing a team that has strengthened — and one that clearly has no intention of standing still.