Arsenal continue to go after their summer targets with Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres both on their radar as they also close in Martin Zubimendi with Thomas Partey set to leave
Arsenal are yet to finalise any business this summer but if their potential deals do get over the line then Mikel Arteta will boast a serious line-up that could finally end the wait for Premier League glory.
For the Gunners it has been a case of close, but not close enough, as they look to end a wait for a top flight glory that has now extended beyond two decades. Last season was a frustrating time and it became clear that their lack of a No 9 was a major issue.
That is set to be addressed with the Arsenal board continuing to back Arteta throughout his time in charge. Many of his signings have worked out with the likes of Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard becoming pillars of their team.
A few more additions around them and the north Londoners could topple the likes of Liverpool. Arsenal have been active in their identification of targets and talks have taken place with various targets.
Some transfer sagas have dragged on much longer than others – Martin Zubimendi is a long-term targets whilst their pursuit of Christian Norgaard has been relatively swift, which could lead to a new look midfield.
READ MORE: Myles Lewis-Skelly makes Arsenal contract decision amid Real Madrid interestREAD MORE: Arsenal get major Viktor Gyokeres transfer boost as Sporting ‘find replacement’
Their priority remains on adding more firepower however with injuries proving how thin their frontline was last term. They also didn’t have the prolific individual they could rely on, which the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City can boast in Mohamed Salah and Erling Haaland respectively.
Gyokeres vs Sesko
Benjamin Sesko looks to be the man that Arsenal have settled on as their first choice having weighed up whether to go after the Slovenian or Viktor Gyokeres. However negotiations are not proving to be smooth sailing as they look to wrap up a deal for the RB Leipzig striker.
The German club are willing to sell after failing to qualify for the Champions League. However his wage demands are proving too be hefty and it could prompt Arsenal into making a u-turn. That would put them back onto Gyokeres, who is determined to leave Sporting Lisbon this summer.
He’s just scored more than 50 times in Portugal and has Manchester United also tracking him. He would be a shrewd addition if he returned to the shores where he previously played for Brighton, Swansea and Coventry before igniting into one of Europe’s top strikers.
Midfield shake-up
Zubimendi was tipped to be on the move last term after a stellar showing for Spain as they won Euro 2024. He remained with Real Sociedad, but his exit felt like a case of when, rather than if. A switch worth more than £50million was reportedly taking place weeks ago, but now an official announcement is close.
This week Arsenal have also pursued Norgaard at Brentford. The Dane has been a regular with the Bees and played for them in the Championship and the Premier League. Their interest in him is motivated by the likely exit of Thomas Partey.
The ex-Atletico Madrid midfielder’s contract expires at the end of June and, despite a desire to keep him, not new deal has been agreed and he is poised to seek a new challenge elsewhere. That would’ve potentially left Arteta light in the middle of the park given that Jorginho has also left.
Star quality arrives
Throughout the summer the name of Rodrygo has been banded about. The Brazilian would be a statement signing and slot straight into a fearsome front three that also includes Bukayo Saka and likely one of Sesko or Gyokeres.
Real Madrid have continued to bolster their own ranks and Rodrygo is not seen in the same way as Kylian Mbappe or Vinicius Jnr in Spain. The Athletic reports that he’s been given no assurances he is part of Xabi Alonso’s long-term plans.
After starting in Real’s 1-1 draw against Al-Hilal at the Club World Cup the forward wasn’t used at all in Sunday’s 3-1 win over Pachuca. That has only served to fuel the rumour mill with Arsenal confident they could convince the player that the Emirates is the best place for him.
Another man they are tipped to sign is Kepa Arrizabalaga, whose Chelsea days are up. He’s been loaned out in successive seasons and is looking for a permanent home with the Gunners ready to bring him in as David Raya’s deputy. The goalkeeper continues to form a stellar backline that includes William Saliba and Gabriel with few, if any, reinforcements needed.
Arsenal’s potential XI: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Rice, Zubimendi; Saka, Odegaard, Rodrygo; Sesko.
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