Five free agents Arsenal could sign this summer to ease Arteta's £250m burden

Arsenal are targeting free-agent reinforcements this summer as Mikel Arteta looks to complement a reported £250 million transfer budget with cost-free additions ahead of the new Premier League season.

A number of prominent players officially entered free agency this week following the expiry of their contracts, giving the Gunners the opportunity to strengthen without paying a transfer fee. Here are five names who could fit the bill.

Leon Goretzka

Central midfield remains one of Arsenal’s primary areas of focus, with approaches already reportedly lodged for Bournemouth’s Alex Scott, Newcastle’s Bruno Guimarães and Lille teenager Ayyoub Bouaddi. Goretzka, however, represents a more economical route to the same position. The 31-year-old left Bayern Munich at the end of the season and has been linked with a move to the Emirates for several years. He has publicly acknowledged his desire to experience football outside Germany for the first time. “Maybe it’s my last chance to go abroad,” he said. “I really want to play truly competitive football again.”

Dusan Vlahovic

The Serbian striker is another long-standing Arsenal target now available without a fee. Vlahovic, 26, was heavily linked with a north London move in 2022 before joining Juventus from Fiorentina in a deal worth £66.6 million. He scored 68 goals across all competitions for the Italian club before departing at the end of his contract, with Juventus reportedly unable to justify his wage demands. Arsenal, with greater financial firepower, could view him as a high-calibre option to support Viktor Gyökeres, who led the attack last season. Such a move could also open the door for Gabriel Jesus and potentially Gabriel Martinelli to leave.

John Stones

Arsenal have already added defensive cover this summer, but Stones — whose future at Manchester City remains uncertain following a difficult injury-hit campaign — has been mentioned as a potential target. The England international’s experience at the highest level, including Champions League and Premier League title wins, would bring considerable depth to Arteta’s backline.

With the transfer window open and several contracts having expired simultaneously, Arsenal’s recruitment team faces a narrow window to act on free-agent options before rival clubs move. The combination of proven pedigree and zero acquisition cost makes each of these players a credible addition to Arteta’s planning, even if not every name will ultimately suit the club’s tactical or wage structure.