Arsenal’s 2025 summer transfer window: An early assessment

Photo illustration by Mitchell Fox

By Sam Nahid

Six games into the Premier League season, new star signings Viktor Gyokeres, Eberiche Eze, and more are already a huge part of Arsenal’s lineup. Their 13 points has them second in the league only to last season's EPL champions Liverpool, the only team they’ve lost to. In trips to Old Trafford, St James Park, and Anfield and three important games at home, the new signings have made their mark.

1. Martin Zubimendi

Central defensive midfielder Martin Zubimendi joined the Gunners from Real Sociedad over the summer to replace Thomas Partey as the starting six. Zubimendi appears to already feel at home, as he's started every match this season and contributed in their latest fixture against Nottingham Forest with two stunning goals. He was brought in to control the tempo of the game and has done so efficiently so far, posting a pass accuracy of 88 percent and 394 touches. Each match he is growing into a more integral part of how Arsenal play.

2. Viktor Gyokeres 

After a long summer of uncertainty around who Arsenal’s striker would be, the team signed one of the most in-form strikers in the world: Viktor Gyokeres. He posted unheard of production with Sporting CP, with 97 goals in 102 competitive matches and now, has wasted no time scoring in a new league with three goals in four matches. Arsenal have been playing with makeshift strikers for four seasons now, since none of their strikers have been a true goal scorer since Aubameyang left in 2022. While their usual style of play has required their striker to drop in deep and play off their wingers, the Gunners have needed to adapt to give service to a new type of striker: Gykoeres main attributes are finishing and running in behind. It's still early in his Arsenal career to see what he can provide, but it's clear no matter if the Swedish forward’s overall play holds up or not, he can at least score goals.

3. Christian Mosquera

Surprise performances by Christian Mosquera have taken fans by storm, as the Spanish centre back has stepped up in important moments. When world-class defender William Saliba was taken off in the fifth minute against Liverpool at Anfield due to injury, Mosquera didn't let the level drop against the champions and even in the following match against Nottingham Forest. The 21-year-old was brought in as a back-up defender with bags of potential, signed for only 13M GBP, an apparent bargain so far. Though he made a mistake by giving away a corner for a goal against Newcastle, he is still showing flashes of being an up-and-coming star.

4. Eberchi Eze

Eberechi Eze has shown his flair and game-changing plays have been what Arsenal were missing last season. Eze has made three goal contributions so far in his Arsenal career, showing he can create opportunities as a playmaker and score as well. He created the last-minute equalizing goal against Manchester City when he lofted a delicate ball from the halfway line for Gabriel Martinelli to run on to and chip the ball into the net. Eze started off by playing on the left wing, but in recent games against Man City and Newcastle has replaced injured Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard in the middle. Eze in midfield gets to show what he's all about, in tight spaces and in between the lines, to be in and around the play.

5. Noni Madueke

Noni Madueke has made the journey across London from rivals Chelsea, a move many have made in recent years many, but few have come away from happily. As many Arsenal fans were skeptical, Bukayo Saka’s injury gave the chance for Madueke to start and prove his level. Though Madueke has not had any goal contributions, he was a light spark in every game he started with his ability to create chances and tenacity running at the fullbacks. Madueke came off at half time against Man City when he injured his knee, putting him out until mid-November. Before that point, Madueke created eight chances, and had seven successful dribbles in four starts and five total appearances.