Opinion

How Arsenal can learn from Manchester United’s strategy to sign the perfect players this summer

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Arsenal and Manchester United have been among the big spenders in the Premier League ever since the league began.

Historically, United always seemed to be able to go that step further but in recent years, with the backing of the Kroenke family, Arsenal have also spent fortunes.

Nevertheless, the strategy in the transfer market has been different. Arsenal have often gone for players who can be developed or approaching their prime, while United have landed expensive, experienced players like Casemiro.

You’re Mikel Arteta…who is your NUMBER ONE big summer signing this year?

Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal, looks on prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Semi Final First Leg match between Atletico de Madrid and Arsenal
Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images

However, last summer, United went out and brought in both Matheus Cunha from Wolves and Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford.

And ahead of this summer, with Arsenal needing to be spot on in the market, it’s a tactic the Gunners might well look to adopt.

Arsenal should sign the best available from the Premier League

There is absolutely no question that Cunha and Mbeumo have improved Man United. They are a constant in their starting XI and playing off either side, bring goals and assists to the table.

Arsenal have done this in the past by signing Declan Rice from West Ham. But with a new left-winger and a central-midfielder a priority this summer, the Gunners should lean on this strategy.

Too often we see expensive buys from abroad take ages to settle and before we know it, the season is done before they get going.

For Arsenal, it’s about getting players who can make an impact now. That means, if possible, the Gunners should try and feed off the players currently competing in the tiers below them in the Premier League.

We saw Man City in January go and sign Marc Guehi and Antoine Semenyo. Those two have been game changers for the Manchester club.

Arsenal v Manchester City - Carabao Cup Final
Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images

Of course, quite who Arsenal could make a move for, remains open to debate.

An obvious choice to strengthen the forward line in general would be a move for Brentford striker, Thiago.

The Brazilian has scored 20+ this season and looks destined for a move. In midfield, Elliott Anderson has been superb for Nottingham Forest, while Arsenal continue to get linked with Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali at Newcastle.

Morgan Gibbs-White at Forest is another who could step in with ease, while Junior Kroupi at Bournemouth has scored 12 this season and Arsenal already have eyes on him.

All in all, it’s a transfer strategy worth adopting. If Arsenal can add two or three who are ready to go from day one, then they can hit the ground running next season.

If not, then Mikel Arteta faces the task of bringing players up to speed.