Arsenal are watching a number of their Premier League rivals make some big transfer moves while conflicting reports continue on their summer plans.
Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig are the Gunners’ two main striker targets but it remains to be seen which one of those will be actively pursued. Alongside that, a new defender, goalkeeper Joan Garcia and winger Rodrygo could all join in addition to the expected arrival of Martin Zubimendi
Elsewhere, Manchester City and Liverpool are both in active discussions to wrap up early summer deals with the latter eyeing a blockbuster double swoop at Bayer Leverkusen.
With all of that being said, football.london has taken a look at the latest Arsenal transfer news and general rumours that have come to light at other clubs.
£26m Gyokeres boost
Manchester United have missed out on an additional £10.95 million windfall after losing the Europa League final to Tottenham. The defeat also means they will not be playing Champions League football next season and have thus missed out on a further £15.7m. As runners-up, they were able to at least take home £5.9m
Despite such a huge sum not coming their way, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has stated they could still sign Gyokeres from Sporting CP.
“It may be more complicated financially, but the race is still open. Nothing is decided,” he told Give Me Sport.
football.london says: Though the race supposedly remains open, Arsenal quite clearly have the advantage for a number of reasons if they pursue Gyokeres’ signature.
Firstly, they can offer him game time in Europe’s top club competition and can present a financial package that will undoubtedly be more attractive. Finally, just looking at the overall state of the two clubs, Arsenal’s project is far more appealing.
Actively going after Rodrygo could impact their summer budget but £60m is a small fee for a player of his calibre and with United close to signing Matheus Cunha for similar funds, Arsenal will likely still have the financial advantage.
Wirtz to Liverpool agreement update
Premier League champions Liverpool are making all the right moves in an attempt to defend their title. Jeremie Frimpong is expected to be announced as their first summer signing very soon and he could be joined at Anfield by Florian Wirtz.
Bayern Munich looked to be frontrunners for his signature, but it has since been widely reported that the German international favours a move to Liverpool.
With Bayer Leverkusen wanting an agreement struck quickly, it looks as though Liverpool will now be working hard to get that deal finalised and it appears as though they are very close to doing so.
football.london says: The signing of the summer could be agreed before the trading period has even opened. While the deal is likely to cost upwards of £100m, the funds are likely available to Liverpool after their lack of signings made last summer.
If the transfer can be agreed prior to the Club World Cup closing part one of the summer window, Liverpool will send out quite the message of intent.
Arsenal and others will then surely feel as though they are playing catch up throughout the summer with pressure firmly on agreeing their own marquee signing to at the very least match that.
