Arsenal are close to completing their first signing of the summer transfer window. Martin Zubimendi has been in London this week to formalise his move to the Emirates Stadium.
The signing will strengthen Arsenal’s midfield following the departure of Jorginho. But the key target for the Gunners this summer is to add to their attacking options.
Concentration will be on bringing a striker to the club. Mikel Arteta was left without a recognised centre-forward for the final few months of the season due to injuries to both Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus.
It’s a situation that the club will want to avoid again in the new season by bringing in a new striking option. Both Red Bull Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres have emerged as the main two targets.
Talks have taken place with Leipzig for Sesko; the striker is expected to cost up to £85.5 million. Gyokeres was initially expected to cost less due to a reported agreement between Sporting and the player.
However, a twist means that the Portuguese club are now reportedly standing by the release clause in his contract.
Sesko has emerged as the preferred target for Arsenal. He has been a long-term target for the club, with them showing an interest in the player last summer.
After completing a move for Sesko, concentration could then go on bringing in a new winger. Arsenal have been linked with a lot of names, including Nico Williams and Noni Madueke.
Another name who has been linked is Real Madrid’s Rodrygo. A move for the Brazilian is said to cost around €90 million (£76.7m); any move may have to happen later in the summer, with new Real manager Xabi Alonso currently taking a look at him.
One player who has been linked with a move away from the Emirates Stadium is Gabriel Martinelli. Bayern Munich are said to be showing interest in the Brazilian.
The Athletic report that Arsenal expect the winger to stay beyond the summer, but that position could change if a significant offer comes in. A big-money sale of Martinelli could potentially open the door to bring another winger in.
Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon is said to be of interest. The Magpies would, however, want a big fee for the winger to even consider selling this summer.
A sale of Martinelli could potentially provide Arsenal with the money to make that deal happen. Gordon was a key player for Newcastle in 2024/25, scoring six goals and providing a further six assists in 34 Premier League appearances.
Another name to be linked is Paris Saint Germain’s Bradley Barcola. The 22-year-old is able to play anywhere along the front line, which could be handy for Arteta given the problems up front in the season just gone.
Arsenal dream attack
Wingers : Leandro Trossard, Bukayo Saka, Rodrygo, Anthony Gordon, Barcola
Strikers: Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, Benjamin Sesko
Join our Arsenal WhatsApp channel and get all the latest breaking news, opinion, podcasts and in-depth stories from football.london’s dedicated Arsenal writers straight to your phone!
By following this free service you will be the first to know the news from the Emirates Stadium as it happens, when it happens.
To join our dedicated Arsenal channel, all you have to do is click this link and you can join thousands of others following our Gunners coverage!
If you’re curious, you can check out our privacy policy here.
