Five players Arsenal FAILED to sign this summer

Cameron Smith

Updated: 4 Sept 2025 16:57 BST
4 min read

Nico Williams, Rodrygo, Arsenal — © IMAGO

Arsenal had the highest net spend of any club in world football during the 2025 summer transfer window, with the Gunners hierarchy spending big in an attempt to end a five-year trophy drought.

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Despite their huge investment, there were several stars who were tipped to join the Emirates Stadium outfit before their proposed transfers fell through.

Below, FootballTransfers runs through five players Arsenal failed to sign this summer.

Nico Williams (Athletic Club)

Nico Williams has been on Arsenal’s radar for the best part of two years and the Gunners were eager to bring him to the club this summer after missing out on his signature in 2024.

However, the Spain international’s wage demands proved too great for Mikel Arteta’s side and they withdrew from contention to sign him before landing Chelsea star Noni Madueke.

Barcelona also failed to sign Williams, with the 23-year-old opting to remain at Athletic Club for at least another season.

Current ETV

Nico Williams

F, M (L)

Athletic

Nico Williams

F, M (L)

Athletic

ETV Range

€65.6M - €80.2M

Rodrygo (Real Madrid)

After their failure to land Williams, Arsenal identified Real Madrid superstar Rodrygo as their dream alternative as they looked for a versatile winger capable of playing on either flank.

The Gunners were expected to rival Liverpool and Manchester City in the race to sign the Brazilian, but they were unwilling to match Real Madrid’s €120m valuation and a deal never materialised.

Rodrygo remained at the Santiago Bernabeu throughout the summer and he is set to fight for a starting place under Xabi Alonso after opting against pushing for a transfer.

Jeremy Jacquet (Stade Rennais)

Jeremy Jacquet emerged as a transfer target for Arsenal in mid-August, with the north London giants identifying him as a possible long-term heir to William Saliba, who continues to be linked with a move to Real Madrid.

The France U21 international enjoyed an eye-catching 2024-25 campaign at both Clermont Foot and Stade Rennais, and Arsenal were eager to bring him to the Emirates Stadium to bolster their defensive roster.

However, the Gunners failed to agree a deal and will be forced to compete with fellow suitors Liverpool in 2026.

Anthony Gordon (Newcastle)

Anthony Gordon was also on Arsenal’s transfer wish-list this summer, as confirmed by Fabrizio Romano, although the Gunners’ interest never led to a concrete offer.

The England international was viewed as a potential target to challenge Gabriel Martinelli for a starting berth on the left flank, however Newcastle were never open to a sale and Arsenal’s pursuit was short-lived.

Regardless, Gordon was wanted by Arsenal ahead of the 2025-26 campaign and they were unable to agree a deal.

Will Wright (Salford)

Will Wright was initially expected to join Liverpool this summer, before Arsenal hijacked his proposed move to Anfield and agreed terms with Salford City.

However, Liverpool then re-hijacked the transfer and finalised a deal to sign the 17-year-old for €230,000.

Wright, who made four senior appearances for Salford last year, is now a regular in Liverpool’s U21 side, but he isn’t expected to feature for the first-team this season.

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