Published Sep 30, 2026, 7:10 AM GMT+1

Mikel Arteta has to manage the supporters’ expectations in the months ahead, especially after spending a pretty penny to further bolster the senior ranks in the summer.

The Spaniard has added further proven Premier League quality to his ranks in an attempt to stop Manchester City from reclaiming their crown in 2026/27.

However, their recent guilty verdict on 114 charges could play into the Gunners’ hands, which could see them pounce and take one of their key players away from them.

Yes, Arsenal have reportedly held talks with the camp of Erling Haaland in recent days.

Why Arsenal need a player of Erling Haaland's calibre

In City’s recent triumphs in England’s top flight, striker Haaland has played an influential role and often been their go to man within the final third.

The Norwegian international has been a constant threat to every side across the Premier League, subsequently netting 20+ goals in all of his four seasons in the division.

During his 12 appearances against the Gunners, the 26-year-old has netted six times, with his efforts often being the difference in multiple title deciders in the Premier League.

Even during the current campaign, Haaland has managed to catch the eye in front of goal, scoring five times in as many outings - taking his goal tally to 169 in just 205 for the Citizens.

Such a record highlights his phenomenal ability within the final third, which is something Arteta’s men have been hunting for over the last couple of months.

His ability to claim the Golden Boot in three of the last four seasons reaffirms his incredible ability in attacking areas - which could no doubt bolster Arsenal’s efforts in such a division.

The hierarchy have made their intentions in the market clear over recent months, with their failures to land Vinicius Junior and Julian Alvarez able to help them in their hunt to land Haaland.

How Arsenal can land a bigger talent than Haaland

The lack of form from Viktor Gyokeres in recent weeks has only heightened the need for the Gunners to add further quality to the attacking department.

The Swedish international has only featured for 29 minutes in the Premier League this campaign, with the manager seemingly preferring other options at present.

Kai Havertz’s injury issues have cast doubt over his long-term ability to lead the line for Arteta’s men, which will only increase the demand from the fans to land other signings.

As a result, Andrea Berta could turn his attention to Barcelona forward Raphinha in the near future, with the club previously wanting to secure a move for the Brazilian.

It was reported in recent weeks that the Gunners were eyeing a potential move and had held talks with the player's camp. That's despite the Spanish giants wanting to keep hold of the attacker.

Any move would likely be an expensive one, but it would undoubtedly hand the manager the top-class option he craves - and one which could prove to be a better signing than that of Haaland.

Regarded as Carlo Ancelotti as "one of the best players in the world", the attacker has started the current campaign in phenomenal form, subsequently scoring the most goals of any player in Europe’s top-five leagues in 2026/27.

Within his eight appearances across all competitions this campaign, the 29-year-old has netted 14 times - including 12 in just seven LaLiga appearances.

Fellow target Haaland has been unable to match such a tally throughout recent weeks, which could see the Gunners land a bigger attacking talent in the winter window.

Raphinha, who’s been dubbed “world-class” by analyst Neal Gardner, has also registered more shots on target per 90, whilst also achieving a better accuracy rate than the City talisman.

Alongside his goalscoring ability, the Brazilian has also managed to dominate with his dribbling ability in the final third, which has seen him complete more than 90% of players in Europe.

Such a quality would give Arteta the all-round quality he still craves in attacking areas, which would no doubt hand him another superb option in his hunt for title glory.

The chances of securing a move for the Brazilian star would likely be an expensive one, but it’s one which would fulfil the supporters’ demands of securing a big-money attacker.

He or Haaland would massively improve the options available to the Spaniard, but a move for the Barca star should be the priority ahead of the upcoming window.