With all focus on attacking signings, Arsenal look to have made significant progress towards a defensive move in the summer transfer window.
As football.london have already reported, Mikel Arteta wants to sign a striker, wide forward, defender and back-up goalkeeper ahead of the 2025/26 season. Those four arrivals are in addition to a central midfielder arriving with that set to be Martin Zubimendi.
Concerns a Real Madrid hijack was on emerged earlier this month but after representing Spain at the Nations League finals, he has arrived in London to complete the final details of his switch – as revealed by The Athletic.
A second addition in the engine room could also be sanctioned if Thomas Partey leaves as a free agent with that scenario now looking more likely. Talks for Benjamin Sesko appear to have been the priority but at the same time, discussions with Viktor Gyokeres also ongoing.
Sesko currently appears as the more likely signing after Sporting CP president Frederico Varandas changed some key terms in a potential deal for the Swede. That arrived just before it was claimed in Germany that an agreement on personal terms had been reached.
However, that is not quite the case with the Gunners yet to actually decide on the No.9 that they will be formally pursuing as Andrea Berta opts to do significant groundwork and hold talks for multiple targets.
Rodrygo and Nico Williams were the club’s top two left winger targets but the latter is now seemingly on his way to Barcelona which could leave the Real Madrid star as Arsenal’s only concrete option.
Further back, Joan Garcia was the goalkeeper most likely to join but he also opted to join the La Liga champions – with Arsenal choosing to sign Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea for just £5million.
Dean Huijsen was the central defender wanted but he signed for Real Madrid once a £50million clause in his AFC Bournemouth contract was activated. Links to alternatives have been dry but Jorrel Hato is a name that continues to be mentioned with it now looking as though Arsenal have made some progress.
“Arsenal has initiated official discussions with Ajax and held positive talks with Jorrel Hato’s representatives,” a source has been quoted, via Caught Offside. “A six-year contract proposal is on the table & the player is carefully evaluating Arsenal’s long-term project.”
Chelsea are also interested but it certainly looks as though the Gunners are now leading the race for his signature. Ajax are demanding £42.8million (€50m) to sell him but the existing relationship with Arsenal could help bring that down.
The 18-year-old is extremely versatile and could allow for Myles Lewis-Skelly to move into midfield while also providing depth for Gabriel Magalahaes and William Saliba.
