Arsenal’s UCL Dream Faces One Big Problem After a Disappointing Summer

The 2026 summer transfer window has now ended with Arsenal majorly bringing in Christos Tzolis and Bruno Guimaraes as additions to their squad.

Although these two new additions make Arsenal’s squad stronger, especially Guimaraes, Arsenal’s transfer window has not largely boosted Arteta’s goal of winning the Champions League this year, especially in attack.

The Gunners made it to the final of the Champions League last season, losing on penalties to PSG after failing to capitalise on their early lead against PSG. After the final, Arteta stated that Arsenal need to improve and invest if they are to reach another final and capture the UCL title.

That said, in a summer where Arsenal were linked with Morgan Rodgers, Vinicius Junior, Bradley Barcola, and more, the Gunners only ended up buying one winger, and they lost two forwards in Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus.

UCL rivals like Real Madrid, PSG, Manchester City, Bayern Munich, and Barcelona have recruited with the purpose of competing better in the Champions League, while Arsenal’s squad looks largely unchanged, especially in attack.

Adding Bruno Guimaraes to their midfield will help Arsenal create better chances and keep more possession, but that was never an issue for Arsenal as they reached the UEFA Champions League final last season.

The Brazilian will add grit, experience, and creativity in the middle of the park, but more than anything else, Arsenal needed that third top left winger to complement Havertz/Gyokeres in the striker position and Bukayo Saka on the right, especially after selling Leandro Trossard.

The Gunners failed to quickly agree on a deal for Rodgers. They quickly ruled out a move for Bradley Barcola, Vinicius Junior decided to stay at Real Madrid, and Diomande also quickly ruled out a move to Arsenal despite some rumours.

Arsenal will need new Greek forward Christos Tzolis and potentially Eberechi Eze to have a brilliant season down the left side of their attack, or that might be one position where Arsenal’s attack dulls out once again this campaign.