Arsenal can solve £33m Mikel Arteta problem with free transfer agreement

Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta has minimal time to dwell on a very successful summer transfer window, with it very likely plans are already being made for January.

The Gunners have just spent £251million to bring in eight players, with it clear the ceiling of Mikel Arteta's squad has been raised. Viktor Gyokeres, Eberechi Eze, Martin Zubimendi and Noni Madueke are arguably the signings to have done that, with Kepa Arrizabalaga, Cristhian Mosquera and Christian Norgaard adding needed depth.

Piero Hincapie also joined from Bayer Leverkusen on deadline day but for a season-long loan with an option-to-buy. The priority in the final 12 hours of the window was certainly on departures, with Fabio Vieira, Sambi Lokonga, Reiss Nelson, Jakub Kiwior and Oleksandr Zinchenko all leaving.

Leandro Trossard was another linked to an exit with contract extension talks stalling, but he was able to agree improved terms on the deal he signed back in 2023 upon joining from Brighton in a £27million deal.

The injury suffered by Kai Havertz looked to play a role in that, with Arteta not wanting to be left light in attack again. Bukayo Saka is also currently missing with a muscular issue which saw Noni Madueke being deployed on the right against Liverpool and Gabriel Martinelli starting on the opposite flank.

The 24-year-old flattered to deceive at Anfield, which resulted in Arteta choosing to bring on Eze after 70 minutes. Though he was signed for just £6million from Brazilian side Ituano, Martinelli looks to have regressed, which is a concern for Arteta.

Eze can play out wide, but his long-term future at Emirates Stadium should absolutely be in central areas, which presents somewhat of a dilemma on the left. Similarly to Eze, Madueke can play there but is much better on the other side.

That is arguably the one position that needs an elite-level upgrade sooner rather than later. Funds may be tight to make that happen, though, with Arsenal likely to spend much less next summer.

Thankfully, a marquee addition is possible without committing to huge transfer fees and it can be sorted in January. That is because pre-contract agreements for players out of contract in 2026 and outside of the Premier League can be reached by Arsenal.

Frenkie de Jong, Dayot Upamecano and Dusan Vlahovic are some of the top names in Europe that see their deals expire, but upon scrolling down transfermarkts 'contracts ending in 2026' page, a name very familiar to Arsenal appears.

Serge Gnabry departed north London back in 2016 but could sensationally return 10 years later after a lengthy spell in Germany. The Bayern Munich winger has under 12 months remaining on his contract, and therefore a free agent departure next summer is possible.

Despite the fact he will be 31 when the 2026/27 season rolls around, he still has plenty to give, with that evidenced by his four goal contributions in as many games during the opening stages of the current campaign.

Prior to that, he scored seven goals and grabbed nine assists, which certainly showcases his talent. Arsenal desperately need a wide forward with some composure and Gnabry can provide that. It is also looking like a dream deal for Berta, with an agreement to sign him for free possibly in just a few months.

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