Gyokeres signs, Madueke decision - 5 things on Arsenal's pre-season to-do list

Arsenal returned for pre-season training on Monday, just over a fortnight before they kick off their tour of the United States, where they'll face AC Milan, Newcastle and Tottenham

Arsenal are back - quite literally. The Gunners have started their 2025-26 campaign with an optional training camp in Marbella before the entire squad meet up back at London Colney later this week, officially kicking off pre-season.

While Arsenal's stars were enjoying their holidays, the transfer team at the Emirates have been very busy. Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga was announced as the Gunners' first signing of the summer last week, with the promise of plenty more.

Next up was Martin Zubimendi, as on Sunday they finally confirmed the Spanish midfielder's arrival after paying Real Sociedad a cool £55million for his signature. Arsenal are also working on deals for Brentford captain Christian Norgaard, Chelsea winger Noni Madueke and, likely topping the lot in terms of price tag, Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres.

That means there could be five new additions in time for this month's tour of the USA. Arsenal will play AC Milan, Newcastle and Tottenham before two home friendlies in early August, all in preparation for their clash with Manchester United on the opening weekend of the new Premier League season.

Here are five things which are on Arsenal's pre-season to-do list.

Get Gyokeres done

Let's not mess about - Arsenal need a striker and anyone reading this will know it. The problem was easy to identify but the solution... that's where it been tricky.

Benjamin Sesko and Gyokeres quickly emerged as the Gunners' top two targets but fans had to wait weeks for a decision. Now it's seemingly been made, with Arsenal in advanced talks with Sporting over a deal for Gyokeres.

Before Arteta and his squad jet off to the USA, they ideally need Gyokeres through door so that the squad can get used to the Swede. Gyokeres is a significantly different profile of striker to Kai Havertz or Gabriel Jesus, so the more time Arsenal's creative players have to get used to him, the better he'll come when they make the journey to Manchester.

Is Viktor Gyokeres the right striker for Arsenal? Have your say in the comments section.

Decide on Madueke

Unlike the signing of Gyokeres, no one saw this coming. Although the Gunners are no strangers to signing players from Chelsea - just ask Kepa - Madueke wasn't linked whatsoever until the last 10 or so days.

But Arsenal want the England international amid their forward reshuffle and have reportedly agreed personal terms. The stumbling block is Chelsea's £50m asking price.

Arsenal are said to be open to a £40m deal but are currently reluctant to give in to their London rivals' demands. This one, then, could depend on sales.

Shift the deadwood

Given the influx of signings, it's time for Arteta to be ruthless. The Gunners have been second-best in the Premier League for three years in a row and fans' patience with certain players has worn thin.

Thomas Partey and Jorginho's exits signal a shakeup in midfield, with defender Kieran Tierney also released at the end of his contract. There are plenty of other stars who've been linked with moves away, including Oleksandr Zinchenko, Jakub Kiwior, Reiss Nelson, Fabio Vieira and Albert Sambi Lokonga.

But perhaps the biggest departure will come in the form of Gabriel Martinelli. The Brazilian is claimed to be a target for Bayern Munich and a bid in the region of £50m would be pose a question.

Embed new signings

With potentially five additions to first-team before their opening friendly against Milan on July 23, Arteta will have to get to work on embedding his new signings. Zubimendi, it's presumed, will take Partey's spot in midfield and as mentioned earlier, Gyokeres' arrival would represent a big shift in the dynamic up front.

Norgaard will also have to adapt to a possession-based system, with Brentford's average last season standing at 48 per cent. Arsenal's, on the other hand, was 57.

Where would Madueke play, too? As a backup to Bukayo Saka on the right-hand side or potentially a direct replacement for Martinelli on the left wing?

There could be some teething problems but Arteta will hope that short-term pain turns into long-term gain. Friendlies will be crucial for getting his squad working in tandem.

Stay injury free

Injuries ravaged Arsenal's 2024-25 season and given that both Liverpool and Manchester City look set to be stronger next term, the Gunners will need to avoid long-term absences at all costs. After another gruelling campaign for club and country, Arteta will need to look after his stars and ensure that they're in the best shape possible for 10 more months of trials and tribulations.

Of course, there's an element of luck with injuries and Arsenal can't play or train half-heartedly. We all know how Arteta likes his players winning their duels.

The Gunners boss was criticised last term for supposedly overplaying Saka, so his minutes early in the season will be a talking point. In addition, Gabriel Magalhaes and Havertz are coming back from long-term injuries and will need to eased back in.