Madueke madness, Rodrygo raid, defender deal – Arsenal transfer priority after Viktor Gyokeres

Things are finally heating up for Arsenal in the summer transfer window. Following a slow start to proceedings with no incoming players in the first ‘mini-window’ in June, the Gunners have now sealed the signings of two new players.

First through the door was Kepa Arrizabalaga, joining from Chelsea after the Gunners triggered his relatively low release clause for around £5million. The goalkeeper had been on loan last year at Bournemouth, impressing as the Cherries launched an unlikely charge for European football in the first half of the season.

The keeper has been joined by fellow Spanish international Martin Zubimendi, after he finally completed his long-awaited move from Real Sociedad on Sunday. The 26-year-old had been of interest last summer, but the Gunners were unable to seal a move for the midfielder.

However, after seemingly beating interest from Liverpool in January, Arsenal had a deal all but sewn up, waiting only for the start of the new accounting period in the 2025/26 season to complete the deal.

And things are not done yet, with Arsenal looking set to sign Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres on a big deal. The striker has been linked to clubs across Europe, but the Gunners are close to getting their man despite interest elsewhere in Benjamin Sesko.

The key question for those of an Arsenal persuasion will be: what deal happens next? There’s been plenty of interest elsewhere, with Noni Madueke and Real Madrid star Rodrygo linked, as well as young Valencia centre-back Cristhian Mosquera.

Our football.london writers decide what should be Arsenal’s big priority below…

Joe Doyle

I think it’s clear that Arsenal want to bring in another attacking player before the end of the window in addition to Viktor Gyokeres. The only question will be whether they can get a better deal by holding off and waiting for other market opportunities to arise.

For me, they should make a move for Rodrygo from Real Madrid as soon as their participation in the Club World Cup is over. I think Noni Madueke is a good player, but the move doesn’t make sense for me. He’s not as effective off the left side of attack as he is the right, and it isn’t worth buying a fairly expensive player to sit on the bench behind Bukayo Saka.

Rodrygo can play either side but is more comfortable on the left, where he won’t get games behind Vinicius Junior. At Arsenal he’d be in direct competition with Gabriel Martinelli, and you’d expect him to win that battle. He should be the top priority once Gyokeres has joined.

Sam Truelove

A striker signing was always Arsenal’s priority this summer and Viktor Gyokeres is a serious upgrade on Mikel Arteta’s current options. It was clear that the Gunners needed a new No.9 and perhaps another position that needs strengthening is central midfield.

While Martin Zubimendi has joined, Jorginho and Thomas Partey will not be around in the 2025/26 season so another central midfielder is needed. Christian Norgaard has been identified by Andrea Berta as a player available for a reasonable fee, with the Brentford captain offering plenty of experience and quality.

In an ideal world both Gyokeres and Norgaard will be unveiled this week, just in time for when the Gunners squad fly to La Manga in Spain for a five-day training camp. Getting Zubimendi, Gyokeres and Norgaard through the door all before mid-July would be a real sign of intent ahead of the new campaign.

Lee Wilmot

With Thomas Partey and Jorginho both having left the club, I think the Gunners need another midfielder. Christian Norgaard looks the most likely but I’m not sure he actually gets in Arsenal’s starting XI.

In terms of big, bold signings that will make a statement and really give them the impetus to go and win the Premier League title, I’d be looking at Rodrygo at Real Madrid.

He has star quality, looks like he’s available for the right price and could be just what Arsenal need to revitalise their attack even more after Gyokeres’ arrival.

Saka, Gyokeres and Rodrygo would be a front line to be feared in the Premier League and if the opportunity is there, get it done.

Tom Canton

Two words: Eberechi Eze. Arsenal have to try and land this player who has been on the club’s radar for a long time and can finish what he started having left the north London side as a very young player.

Having a player with the qualities of an Eze would be excellent for Arsenal who have been reliant on Bukayo Saka to bring the spark and goals from very little. Eze is capable of those magic moments that have been somewhat lacking from the Gunners.

Martin Zubimendi and potentially Viktor Gyokeres linking up with Eze too would be a sight to see and represent, truly, an amazing summer of signings for the club and they’re not even done with more supposed deals in the pipeline

Tom Coley

Arsenal have the defence and goalkeeper sorted, the midfield has been addressed, and now the attack is moving in the right direction. Once Norgaard and Mosquera are finalised, it will be all attention on the wingers/extra attackers.

Madueke is the name of the moment but he is more likely cover for Saka than competition for Martinelli on the left. That is probably why there is frustration for supporters.

Whereas Eze and Rogers have the left-sided versatility to come into attacking midfield, Madueke is only really an answer on one side. Rodrygo is much more of an option on either flank.

If Arsenal are willing to spend big then he is the truly world-class answer. Eze, Rogers, and Madueke are all nice alternatives but perhaps not he priority right now.