Arsenal are looking to strengthen their squad ahead of the new Premier League season, and there are a number of high-profile free agents available to sign this week

With the new Premier League campaign drawing increasingly near, Arsenal's summer recruitment strategy is starting to gain momentum.

Mikel Arteta has reportedly been provided with a transfer budget of £250million as the Gunners aim to retain their Premier League title and progress further in the Champions League. However, not every signing needs to arrive with a substantial fee attached.

A number of prominent players officially entered free agency on Wednesday following the expiry of their contracts, presenting Arsenal with the chance to bolster the squad without parting with a transfer fee. Here's a detailed examination of five free agents who could enhance Arteta's options without costing the club a single penny.

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Leon Goretzka

Central midfield continues to rank among Arsenal's primary targets this summer, with approaches already lodged for Bournemouth's Alex Scott, Newcastle United's Bruno Guimaraes and Lille prodigy Ayyoub Bouaddi. Yet for a considerably more economical alternative, the Gunners could instead revisit a familiar target.

Leon Goretzka has consistently been associated with a switch to the Emirates Stadium in recent seasons. The German is valued for his experience, physical presence and championship credentials and is an intimidating presence, built more like a centre-back than an engine-room operator.

The 31-year-old left Bayern Munich at the conclusion of this season and has acknowledged he would embrace the opportunity to experience football beyond Germany for the first time in his professional career.

"Maybe it's my last chance to go abroad," he said. "I really want to play truly competitive football again. We'll see what opportunities come up. I'm completely relaxed about it. I'll just let it all happen."

That opens the door for Arsenal to strike and finally land their target.

Dusan Vlahovic

Another long-standing Arsenal target who's available without a fee this summer is Serb forward Dusan Vlahovic. The 26-year-old was strongly linked with a switch to north London in 2022 while at Fiorentina before eventually moving to Juventus in a transfer valued at £66.6m.

He proceeded to net 68 goals across all competitions for the Italian heavyweights before departing at the conclusion of his contract after the club said they couldn't justify his substantial wages. Arsenal have greater spending power and may regard Vlahovic as a perfect understudy to Viktor Gyokeres, who spearheaded the attack last season.

Such a signing would also hand the Gunners the opportunity to offload Gabriel Jesus and potentially Gabriel Martinelli.

John Stones

Arsenal have already bolstered their defensive ranks this summer after converting Piero Hincapie's loan arrangement from Bayer Leverkusen into a permanent deal for £34.5m. Yet the prospect of acquiring a six-time Premier League champion in John Stones without a transfer fee may prove too enticing to pass up.

The 32-year-old bid an emotional farewell to Manchester City at the end of last season and could offer experienced cover to first-choice pairing Gabriel and William Saliba. Everton have also been linked with a potential reunion, though Stones is expected to finalise his future following England's World Cup campaign.

Julian Brandt

Versatile German playmaker Julian Brandt is available having drawn the curtain on an eight-year stint at Borussia Dortmund. At 30, Brandt still has plenty to contribute and could add valuable depth across a number of attacking positions, whether operating in the No. 10 role or out wide.

He would also hand Arsenal another creative outlet capable of breaking down stubborn low-block defences from the substitutes' bench. Leeds United and Real Betis are also thought to be weighing up a move.

Jadon Sancho

Arsenal have been heavily linked with a high-profile signing on the left wing, with the likes of Morgan Rogers and Bradley Barcola reportedly on their radar. However, should those pursuits prove too costly, the free-agent market could present a compelling alternative in the shape of Jadon Sancho.

The England international has endured a turbulent few years since his move to Manchester United. He has found it difficult to truly rediscover his best form during loan spells at Dortmund, Chelsea and Aston Villa.

Yet Arteta has an impressive track record when it comes to reviving technically gifted players and could therefore do far worse than taking a punt on the 26-year-old. A revitalised Sancho could well prove to be exactly the player Arsenal supporters are seeking to inspire on the left wing.