A "superstar" striker, who's reportedly held talks with Arsenal, has now announced that he's set to leave his club this summer in an emotional statement.
Andrea Berta set for competitive Arsenal summer transfer window
While the Gunners' move for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi appears done and dusted, with the Spain international looking set to become Andrea Berta's first major signing as sporting director (Fabrizio Romano), Arsenal face stiff competition to sign other players at the top of their transfer wishlist.
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Arsenal hold initial talks over signing £202k-a-week Real Madrid star
The Gunners have reached out and made contact.
Arsenal were believed to be lead contenders to sign Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth, but a plethora of Wednesday evening reports from credible media sources now indicate that Real Madrid are set to pip all Premier League clubs to his signature.
Race for Champions League qualification with 2 games remaining Points
2. Arsenal 68
3. Newcastle United 66
4. Man City 65
5. Chelsea 63
6. Aston Villa 63
7. Nottingham Forest 62
The 20-year-old decided to give priority to Bernabeu switch, with Real moving in and agreeing a deal with Bournemouth to pay his £50 million release clause. Huijsen's representatives are now in the Spanish capital negotiating with Los Blancos over the defender's contract, and Xabi Alonso's side are thought to be on the verge of sealing a full agreement.
This dramatic late swoop from Real, which eventually doomed Arsenal's chances of signing Huijsen, emphasises why there is a need for Arsenal to show no hesitation in the market and, ideally, strike deals for their most desired targets as soon as possible.
Arsenal are prioritising the signing of a striker, and Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres appears to be a serious target for Berta. However, with Enzo Maresca also on the hunt for a prolific marksman, there are reported fears within Arsenal that Chelsea could hijack their deal for Gyokeres.
Jonathan David announces Lille exit after rumoured Arsenal talks
Another centre-forward who is likely to be courted by a host of top sides, and one who will definitely leave his club, is Lille star Jonathan David.
The "superstar" Canada international has been free-scoring in Ligue 1 since joining them from Gent in a £23 million deal five years ago, bagging 25 strikes in 48 appearances this season, adding to his all-time Lille total of 109.
However, his contract is set to expire this summer, and David's representatives have reportedly held talks with Arsenal, among other clubs.
Lille's Jonathan David celebrates scoring their first goal with Edon Zhegrova
The 25-year-old is set to be one of the most coveted free agents of 2025, with David now confirming that he's set to leave Lille in a statement this week.
“I wanted to tell you myself that after so many years at the club, it’s time to say goodbye," said the striker on social media, as translated by LW.
"I’ve had five wonderful seasons here. I know that it hasn’t always been easy but I hope that with my goals and celebrations, that I’ve managed to bring you some joy. Notably the Ligue 1 title and the Trophee des Champions and I think that with these two trophies together, we have brought a lot of pleasure and joy.
"I would like to thank all of my teammates, all the coaches, staff, technical and medical teams, the managers and everyone that I have met over the months at the club. Thank you very much for everything you have brought me over these years, I thank you from the bottom of my heart."
With David readily available, this could be a very intriguing opportunity for Arsenal, but they'll have to move in quickly. Even though he can join on a Bosman, journalist Sacha Tavolieri recently claimed the overall cost of a deal could still reach £28 million due to his yearly salary, additional commission fees and signing bonus.