If Arsenal’s decision makers needed extra motivation this transfer window, here it is:
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Manchester United (away)
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Leeds United (home)
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Liverpool (away)
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Nottingham Forest (home)
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Manchester City (home)
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Newcastle United (away)
Those are the Gunners’ first six league fixtures of the 2025/26 season. 2025/2026 Full Premier League Fixture List.
Aside from perhaps Leeds United, though even they cannot be underestimated, Arsenal must be at their absolute best in every one of these games.
That means resolving midfield uncertainty should Thomas Partey depart, securing a top striker and winger early, and clearly defining Kai Havertz’s role within the squad.
There is no room for hesitation or experimentation this time around.
A transfer window off to a familiar start
Despite the urgency, the summer window has not started as planned.
Last year, Edu was tasked with a clear mission. In addition to signing a left back, he was expected to bring in a striker, a left-sided central midfielder, and a top winger – key additions to help push Arsenal closer to the title after falling just two points short.
However, the striker never arrived. The pursuit of Mikel Merino stalled until late in the summer, and following failed moves for key wide targets, the club made a deadline-day panic move for an out-of-form Raheem Sterling.
Between late arrivals, unsettled signings, and missed opportunities, the 2024 window was far from a success.
Then came January. Rather than using it to correct those missteps, Arsenal stood still. It only deepened the sense of frustration around the Emirates.
Arsenal must deliver their best window yet
Last season’s slow finish, growing injury list, and the ambitious moves being made by Premier League rivals should be all the motivation Arsenal need to act with intent and precision.
So far, that urgency has yet to translate into meaningful progress.
Perhaps the challenging start to the fixture list will change that.
Deals for Martín Zubimendi and Kepa Arrizabalaga are said to be close, but where is the movement on attacking reinforcements?
Andrea Berta must now take decisive action. The new signings must be integrated in time for pre-season.
These opening fixtures are not routine, they could determine whether Arsenal compete for the title or fall behind before autumn arrives.
What are your thoughts Gooners?
Daniel O
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I am never the type to give up on our team but our lacklustre transfer business compared to our direct rivals like Liverpool and city is akin to a hundred meters race between Usain bolt and my beloved grandma, I watched city yesterday and they were blazing, Liverpool recruited well and still very potent, even rock bottom Man U are attracting good players but as usual we are fiddling, haggling and penny pinching, hopefully Bertha and Arteta recruit fit for purpose players to douse our anxieties
I don’t care what the first 6 fixtures are, we need to act fast in the transfer market full stop.
Unfortunately, our recent history regarding transfer dealings most of the time become long drawn out affairs for whatever reason.
Other clubs seem to be able to identify there targets and more often than not get them.
Something our club continue to struggle with.🤦♂️
There will be actions next month, I’m confident on the that.