Arsenal could look to utilise contractual release clauses over the summer transfer window to bolster their squad depth, after a string of injuries proved costly in the race for the Premier League
Arsenal will need to address a sincere lack of depth should they hope to contend for the Premier League title next season. While the Gunners had a bright start to the season, injuries to the likes of Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz, and Bukayo Saka have proven costly – as Arsenal have struggled to generate goals from elsewhere.
Havertz, who played largely in a false-nine role despite plying his trade primarily as an attacking midfielder, remains the side’s top scorer with nine goals to his name. However, as he has been absent due to a hamstring injury since February, Arsenal have had to rely on playing natural winger Leandro Trossard through the middle.
And while the Belgian has managed eight goals of his own across 2024/25, Gabriel Martinelli has scored seven, and Mikel Merino has pitched in with six, their records pale compared to the likes of Mohamed Salah, Erling Haaland, and Alexander Isak, who have each broken through the 20-goal threshold.
While Arsenal have been near the top of the table all season, their lack of natural goal scorers has potentially cost them their first league title since 2003/04. If the table remains as is by the end of the season, it will mark the side’s third second-place finish in just as many years – with 13 draws costing them dearly.
The Gunners undoubtedly are in need of a striker in the summer transfer window, not only to ensure they have someone fit should Jesus find himself injured once more, but to provide healthy competition to the Brazilian. Meanwhile, Arsenal are also said to be on the lookout for a new goalkeeper for the new season, despite David Raya holding the best record in the league in terms of goals conceded – only letting 29 past him.
In a highly competitive market however, the Gunners may find themselves outbid by rivals with more cash at their disposal. The silver lining is that the club could look at target release clauses in a bid to bring fresh faces to the Emirates Stadium, albeit they could end up paying more than market value in doing so. Here are five players who Arsenal could look at bringing in over the summer transfer window, and the release clauses that they currently have embedded into their contracts.
Liam Delap
While Liam Delap was only brought to Ipswich Town last summer in a £15million deal, relegation back to the Championship could force the Tractor Boys to sell up. Delap has found the back of the net 12 times in a struggling Ipswich side who currently sit 18th in the Premier League standings, and could continue to soar in impressive fashion with the right service and tutelage.
The news broke earlier this month that should Ipswich be condemned back to the Championship for 2025/26, a £30m release clause in his five-year contract becomes active. At the age of just 22, Delap would also be a suitable fit in Arsenal’s model of bringing in players at a young age rather than spending big on older, more well-established stars.
Benjamin Sesko
Elsewhere, Arsenal have also been heavily linked with a move for RB Leipzig forward Benjamin Sesko in recent years. It is reported that the Gunners were initially interested in securing his services last year, but talks never quite reached the advanced stages. But with a season of attacking struggles in the rear-view mirror, that may change this summer.
While figures on his exact release clause remain under wraps, it is thought that it could be in the region of £62m. However, Arsenal will also have to fend off stiff competition in the likes of Manchester United in clinching the signature of the 21-year-old talisman, who has scored 12 goals this season.
Viktor Gyokeres
According to reports, Arsenal have already entered negotiations into signing Swedish striker Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP – who has scored 34 goals in 29 Liga Portugal appearances this season. However, the Gunners could face stiff competition from the likes of Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United in sealing the deal.
It is likely that Arsenal will hope to crunch the numbers with Gyokeres rather than splurging on his release clause however, given that it is at a reported £86m – showing just how much faith the side have in the 26-year-old. However, several reports have suggested that a gentleman’s agreement could see the striker leave for even less.
Nico Williams
A pacy left-winger, Nico Williams has set the world alight for Athletic Bilbao in recent years, racking up 30 goals and 31 assists in 165 appearances thus far. At the age of 22, the youngster could give Martinelli healthy competition on the flank, while he has also proven his ability to adapt to a more central role which could come in handy given Arsenal’s lack of number nines at present.
Should Arsenal wish to acquire the youngster’s services via his release clause, then they may have to activate his £48.2m buyout, as well as convince him on a move to north London as opposed to other clubs who may hold an interest.
Joan Garcia
At the other end of the pitch, speculation has been rife that Arteta is keen on enlisting a new shot stopper to provide healthy competition for David Raya – who, in turn, only joined the Gunners last year. Arsenal saw a £17m bid for Espanyol keeper Joan Garcia dismissed over the summer, and may choose to instead utilise the £20.9m release clause in the 23-year-old’s contract on their next bite of the cherry.
Interestingly enough, should Espanyol – who are currently 13th in La Liga with six games to go – find themselves relegated this season, his release clause will drop to £12.5m. However, such a scenario is looking increasingly unlikely, given that there’s currently a seven-point gap between the side and the drop zone.
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