Arsenal given transfer deadline day mission as Julian Alvarez and Kevin Schade agreements reached

Julian Alvarez is still of interest to Arsenal(Image: 2026 Getty Images)

Arsenal have plenty of work to do before the transfer window slams shut this evening...

Speaking to reporters at the Sobha Realty Training Centre on Thursday afternoon, Mikel Arteta explained how he and Andrea Berta operate when trying to lure a player to the Emirates Stadium. The Gunners boss said: "Convincing...

"I don't know if it's the word, but obviously explaining what we are, what we are doing, how we expect a player to fit in within our club and our way of playing, his role in the team. That's certainly the case, I think, everybody.

"And those players, normally, they don't come by themselves. They come with a team, whether it's a family, with people that work with them. So, I think that whole ecosystem of the player has to be understood. And I think everybody around it, as well, has to feel that it's the right thing to do."

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On whether Arsenal are in the market for a forward, having previously missed out on Vinicius Jr, Arteta insisted that he's always looking to strengthen his side. The Spaniard said: "It looks like if we sign somebody else, but I mean, we already have a lot of great players here in the building.

"We are always looking to strengthen and be better and have qualities that we don't have in the squad. But the main aim, as I said, is focus on the one that we have that they are so good."

So, with that being said, journalists at football.london have looked at what Arsenal need to do in the final hours of the transfer window.

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Andrea Berta needs to do whatever it takes to significantly bolster the Arsenal frontline before the transfer window shuts. Unfortunately for Mikel Arteta, having already missed out on the chance to sign Vinicius Jr and Bradley Barcola now at Liverpool, the Gunners will have to scramble for slim pickings.

In an ideal world, Arsenal test the resolve of Atletico Madrid up until the eleventh hour and prise Julian Alvarez from the Metropolitano. The Gunners should then use the proceeds from the sale of Gabriel Martinelli to fund the signing of a left-winger.

With time of the essence, Berta has left himself no choice but to whip out his scattergun. It would be a miracle if Arsenal could wrap up a deal for Kenan Yildiz so late into the window, but Kevin Schade appears to be the most realistic option.

Otherwise, the Gunners just need to streamline the squad and close a few deals. Arsenal need to cash in on Gabriel Jesus, who would otherwise leave for free next summer, sell Kepa Arrizabalaga, and find a good loan for Ethan Nwaneri.

SELL: Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus, Kepa Arrizabalaga, and Fabio Vieira.

Arsenal have had a strange summer really. They strengthened by signing Tzolis Guimaraes and Konsa but still haven't landed the marquee forward that they craved.

That could obviously still change but if they are unable to make that happen, there will be disappointment amongst the fans are rightly so. Tzolis looks like a top buy and Guimarares and Konsa will add strength, power and experience but Arsenal are arguably weaker on the left flank once the Martinelli departure goes through.

In my opinion, they should be considering a late swoop for someone, maybe a Kevin Schade or something left-field. It might not be popular but they need two out-and-out left-wingers because if they pick up an injury to Tzolis, Ebere Eze is really their only proper option.

Noni Madueke was supposedly signed because he can play on both sides but I don't think he's up to scratch on the left.

This is not how I thought Arsenal would go into transfer deadline day. To have sold both Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard, signed a player of the profile and stature of Christos Tzolis, and not have brought in a top forward in addition is disappointing – even more so if Ethan Nwaneri is allowed to leave on loan.

We can, of course, point to a lack of clear options. The ambition is not really what is in question with how they pursued some of the world’s top players like Vinicius Junior and Julian Alvarez, but the strategy and some of the decisions will be.

Arteta said after the Champions League final that the club needed to be “Very, very ambitious, very quick and very smart.” They have made some big and ruthless decisions, but having won the title and the messaging that followed, I do not think fans should be criticised if they feel underwhelmed by what has been delivered.

There is some time left, I’d go big for Kevin Schade myself. But any move appears unlikely for now.

Tom Canton joined football.london as the Arsenal Fan Brand Writer and Presenter before becoming a permanent Arsenal Reporter in 2025. Tom produces plenty of analytical content in addition to breaking stories and is a regular attendee at matches and press conferences. Can also be found on YouTube @TheGoonerTalkTV

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