Ahead of the opening weekend of the Premier League campaign, Arsenal fans will possess a cautious sense of optimism ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

Mikel Arteta’s side have finished as runners-up in each of the last three years, hopefully going one better this season after making numerous key additions during the summer window.

The hierarchy have backed him in the transfer window, solving a problem position by landing striker Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP after he scored 54 goals in the recent season.

Other areas of the pitch have also been subject to investment, with Martin Zubimendi and Cristhian Mosquera arriving at the Emirates and bolstering the midfield and defence departments, respectively.

However, despite the heavy spending in recent weeks, another player has consistently been on their radar – in the form of Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze.

The latest on Arsenal’s hunt for Eze

Throughout the summer window, the 27-year-old attacking midfielder has been heavily mentioned over a move to join Arsenal, subsequently improving the options at Arteta’s disposal.

However, they face stiff competition from North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur, who have also been credited with an interest in his signature during the off-season.

Thomas Frank’s side have been in talks with the English international, with both sides looking to take advantage of the £60m valuation placed on his head by Eagles boss Oliver Glasner.

In recent days, it’s been reported that the Gunners could walk away from negotiations in the coming days, currently seeing his asking price as out of range, given the money already splashed this summer.

He’s not the only midfield star in their sights between now and the September 1st deadline, potentially seeing a move open up for a top-level European star.

Arsenal’s hunt for another midfielder this summer

Earlier on in the summer window, Arsenal were one of various Premier League sides linked with a move to land PSG youngster Warren Zaire-Emery ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

However, no deal could be reached for the Frenchman, unsurprisingly given the Ligue 1 side’s asking price, which saw a £100m price tag mooted.

He’s not the only European star who’s appeared on the Gunners’ radar as of late, with Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong also in their sights, according to one Spanish outlet.

Their report states that Arteta’s side are closely monitoring a move for the Dutch international, who only has one year remaining on his current contract with the LaLiga giants.

It also states that with no new deal yet on the horizon, the 28-year-old could be open to exploring a move this window, resulting in a £35m asking price being raised.

Why Arsenal’s latest target is a bigger talent than Eze

Missing out on Eze would be a bitter blow for the Arsenal fanbase, especially given the huge rumours linking him with a move to the Club over recent months.

Their misery would undoubtedly be compounded if the player himself were to move to Spurs, which would see the Englishman certainly make Frank’s outfit a stronger one.

However, it’s important that the Gunners don’t overspend this summer and pay over-inflated transfer fees – with other serious quality available in the current market.

A deal for De Jong could provide just that, possessing years of experience of operating at the very top-level of European Football – something which will be vital if the Club are to reach the next level.

Whilst the pair operate in slightly different positions, the 28-year-old has proven in Spain over recent years that he is a leading talent in the box-to-box area – able to add further quality into the heart of Arteta’s side

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His underlying stats from the 2024/25 campaign highlight the quality he would add to the first-team squad, able to have a major say on their success at either end of the pitch.

According to FBref, De Jong, who’s been labelled “world-class” by Simone Inzaghi, ranked in the 99th percentile for passes completed (94%) and 97th percentile for progressive passes (9.5).

Such numbers could allow him to pick out the likes of Gyokeres within the final third, allowing the Swede to have a huge impact during his maiden campaign in North London.

Despite featuring in a deeper position than Eze, he has still showcased the threat he possesses in front of goal, achieving a 60% shot on target rate – putting him in the 99th percentile of all midfielders in Europe.

Out of possession, the former Ajax star has also impressed, winning 1.5 tackles per 90 and making 2.4 interceptions – able to break up the player before progressing the ball into dangerous areas.

Whilst another attacking-minded player is still high on the Club’s shortlist, a deal for De Jong is one the hierarchy simply can’t pass up between now and the transfer deadline.

If he can replicate such talents in England, he would be a bargain transfer and one that can still help the Club in their quest to end their two-decade wait for a top-flight title.