Arsenal’s forward line could look much different to the one which started against Southampton on the last day of the 2024/25 Premier League season.
Raheem Sterling, Mikel Merino and Gabriel Martinelli made up the Gunners’ front three at St Mary’s Stadium on May 25. It’s possible that none of the trio feature against Manchester United on the opening weekend of the next campaign.
Bukayo Saka will be expected to start on the right, while a new striker could play in place of Merino. Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres are the two forwards linked with a move to Emirates Stadium at the minute. The left wing is a little trickier to predict.
Martinelli has done well in recent years and is a decent option on the left. Mikel Arteta is open to signing a wide forward this summer, though, and that could mean the Brazilian’s place is under threat. Nico Williams and Rodrygo have been considered, while another name linked is Anthony Gordon.
Since joining the Magpies from Everton in January 2023, the 24-year-old has been impressive under Eddie Howe. Featuring 42 times in all competitions last campaign, Gordon scored nine goals and assisted seven more.
According to The Athletic, the England international is admired by Arsenal and a move cannot be ruled out this summer. This is interesting given Newcastle bid £45million for Anthony Elanga of Nottingham Forest on Tuesday morning.
The offer was rejected by Nottingham Forest and it remains to be seen whether Newcastle maintain their pursuit or walk away, The Athletic reports. Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo and West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus have also been spoken about internally.
Capable of playing on the right and left, Elanga could be seen as a potential replacement for Gordon, should the Englishman exit St James’ Park this transfer window. Whether a move to Arsenal comes to fruition remains to be seen, with Andrea Berta and Arteta working hard behind the scenes.
A deal to sign Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga could be announced as early as this week, with the Spaniard expected to join in a deal worth £5million. Martin Zubimendi’s move to Emirates Stadium is also all but complete, with only a medical left to sort out.
