Arsenal begin the summer as reigning Premier League champions, and the window so far has been about refinement rather than overhaul. Three senior arrivals have come in, three players have moved on permanently, and the squad that opens the title defence is taking shape.
Here is the confirmed men's first-team business to date, with what each side of the ledger tells us. The window remains open until September, so this is a picture of the summer so far rather than the final word.
Arsenal signings — summer 2026
| Player | From | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Piero Hincapié | Bayer Leverkusen | Permanent |
| Christos Tzolis | Club Brugge | Permanent |
| Illan Meslier | Leeds United | Free transfer |
Piero Hincapié is the headline arrival, the Ecuador international joining permanently from Bayer Leverkusen to add depth and versatility across the back line. Christos Tzolis follows from Club Brugge, bringing attacking options in the wide areas, while Illan Meslier arrives as a free agent from Leeds United to compete for a place in goal.
Three signings for a champion side points to a targeted window: quality added in defence and attack, with a goalkeeping option secured at no fee.
Arsenal departures — summer 2026
| Player | To | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Leandro Trossard | Beşiktaş | Permanent |
| Jakub Kiwior | Porto | Permanent |
| Karl Hein | Werder Bremen | Permanent |
The outgoings are all permanent moves. Leandro Trossard leaves for Beşiktaş after several seasons in north London, while Jakub Kiwior joins Porto, thinning the central-defensive numbers that Hincapié's arrival helps replenish. Goalkeeper Karl Hein completes a permanent switch to Werder Bremen, opening the door for Meslier as back-up.
What it means for the season ahead
The pattern is that of a settled squad making measured adjustments rather than rebuilding: a defender in, a defender out, and a like-for-like reshuffle in goal. The first competitive test of the new season is the Community Shield against Manchester City in Cardiff on 16 August, before the Premier League title defence opens at home to Coventry City on 21 August.
For the full month ahead, see our guide to Arsenal's August 2026 fixtures, including the Emirates Cup, the Community Shield and both league openers.
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Tickets for every Arsenal fixture this season — home and away, plus the Community Shield and the Emirates Cup — are listed on our Arsenal tickets page. Emirates availability moves fastest in the fortnight before each home fixture.
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Frequently asked questions
Who have Arsenal signed in summer 2026?
Three senior players so far: Piero Hincapié from Bayer Leverkusen, Christos Tzolis from Club Brugge, and Illan Meslier on a free transfer from Leeds United.
Which players have left Arsenal this summer?
Leandro Trossard has joined Beşiktaş, Jakub Kiwior has moved to Porto, and goalkeeper Karl Hein has signed for Werder Bremen — all permanent transfers.
Is the transfer window still open?
Yes. This reflects confirmed men's first-team business to date; the window remains open until September, so further incomings and outgoings are possible.