Arsenal’s summer transfer window was defined by departures—Gabriel Jesus, Leandro Trossard, and Gabriel Martinelli all left, netting 25 goals between them in 2023-24. Yet for all the excitement of sales, the Gunners’ squad still lacks the firepower to compete at the top of the Premier League. Three free agents, once linked to Emirates Stadium, remain available, and their potential signings could redefine Arsenal’s season.
The most compelling option is Mauro Icardi, a 33-year-old striker whose age and Premier League pedigree make him a near-perfect fit for Arsenal’s frontline. Having spent time at Inter Milan and Paris Saint-Germain, Icardi’s experience in Europe’s biggest leagues is unmatched among free agents. His goal-scoring record—consistent, if not always clinical—could provide the directness Arsenal’s attack has lacked since Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s departure. Yet Icardi’s career has been dogged by off-field distractions, a factor that may deter some clubs. For Arsenal, however, his tactical intelligence and ability to play as a false nine could align perfectly with Mikel Arteta’s system, especially if the Gunners continue to struggle with depth in central midfield.
Another name that resurfaced in Arsenal’s transfer radar is Cristian Romero, the Argentine defender who was once considered a target before the Gunners opted for Ezri Konsa. Romero’s defensive versatility—capable of playing as a centre-back or in a three-man defence—would address Arsenal’s persistent issues at the back, particularly in set-pieces and transitional play. His experience at Tottenham, where he formed a solid partnership with Sergio Reguilón, suggests he could adapt quickly to the Premier League’s physicality. Yet Arsenal’s decision to prioritise Konsa over Romero highlights the club’s shifting priorities, and whether they’d now reconsider depends on how the season unfolds.
The most glaring omission from Arsenal’s summer was Morgan Rogers, the young midfielder Chelsea paid £117 million to secure. Rogers’ potential as a box-to-box midfielder with elite passing range was too tempting for Stamford Bridge to ignore, but Arsenal’s pursuit of him in the summer—before Chelsea’s move—could still yield results if the Gunners target a similar profile. A free-agent alternative might emerge, though the market for elite midfielders is thin. If Arsenal are to plug the gap left by Granit Xhaka’s departure, they’ll need a player who can dictate tempo, a role that hasn’t been fully addressed since the sale of Declan Rice’s West Ham contract.
The question now is whether Arsenal’s financial flexibility and tactical needs will outweigh the risks of signing players with past controversies. Icardi’s case is the most compelling, but his availability hinges on suitors overcoming his off-field baggage. For a club that prides itself on stability, the free-agent market offers a rare opportunity—but only if they’re willing to take calculated risks. The Premier League’s winter window is still months away, but the time to act is now.
