Arsenal draw up seven-man transfer shortlist as timeline update given for first signing

Arsenal are drawing up a transfer shortlist with reports naming possible options in both the striker and left wing position for the current transfer window.

Head coach Mikel Arteta is working closely alongside sporting director Andrea Berta in gathering information on potential targets and then deciding which deals to work on. The Gunners are said to be drawing up a shortlist for each priority position before deciding who to target.

Sky Sports have revealed some of the names on their list with Real Madrid’s Rodrygo emerging as a priority. The Brazilian forward is reportedly set for talks with new Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso over his future this week.

Alongside Rodrygo, Arsenal are also said to be looking at Athletic Club star Nico Williams, Bayern Munich’s Leroy Sane and Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers. Williams has been linked to Arsenal over the last few transfer windows, as Rogers has, meanwhile, impressed in the Premier League since moving to Villa Park.

As well as a new winger, Arsenal will prioritise a swoop for a striker this summer – after playing the final months of the season just gone without a recognised centre-forward. Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak, Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres and Red Bull Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko are named as the three ‘preferred’ options.

Some reports already suggest that Arsenal have opened talks with Leipzig over a summer transfer for Sesko. The Slovenia international is expected to cost around £70million.

Arsenal are likely to come up against resistance from Newcastle if they move for Isak – with the Magpies reported to have set a price of more than £150million on the striker. They are said to be confident in keeping him at the club this season.

With Gyokeres, Arsenal are likely to have competition for the Sporting CP man. Manchester United are one of the other teams mooted with an interest.

While concentration is on boosting the attacking area of the squad, Arsenal are closing in on their first signing of the summer. The club are said to remain confident of completing the transfer for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi – who turned title rivals Liverpool down last summer.

However, the wait for confirmation of that deal could yet go on for a bit longer – with Sky saying that the player is yet to have a medical with the club. Zubimendi has been heavily linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium since the start of the year.