The latest transfer news from Arsenal as Mikel Arteta and Andre Berta look to get their business done ahead of the summer transfer window reopening
08:02, 12 Jun 2025
BRUGES, BELGIUM - DECEMBER 10: Viktor Gyokeres of Sporting CP looks dejected after the 2-1 loss during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD6 match between Club Brugge KV and Sporting Clube de Portugal at Jan Breydelstadion on December 10, 2024 in Bruges, Belgium. (Photo by Crystal Pix/MB Media/Getty Images)
Viktor Gyokeres and Sporting CP have come to blows(Image: Crystal Pix/MB Media/Getty Images)
The transfer merry-go-round is about to kick off once again, with Arsenal champing at the bit to seal their first summer signing.
Come June 16, the Gunners can officially get Mikel Arteta's new recruits on board. Arsenal have bid farewell to Kieran Tierney and Jorginho, who've moved home to Celtic and Flamengo respectively, and they've also dished out their list of released players. Yet, they're still grafting away to wrap up Andre Berta's inaugural signing.
Meanwhile, Thomas Partey's future hangs in the balance, his contract ticking down but the door to stay at the Emirates open. On the hunt for fresh talent, Arsenal are keen to beef up their attack. Benjamin Sesko is top of the wishlist, with Berta already wheeling and dealing for the striker.
Sporting CP's Viktor Gyokeres is another name in the frame, though he's currently at the heart of an ugly spat in Portugal, with whispers of blackmail and strike threats ahead of a crucial summer for him. Here's all the latest transfer news swirling around the Emirates.
Sesko given thumbs down for Saudi switch
Benjamin Sesko
Benjamin Sesko has been impressive for RB Leipzig(Image: Image Photo Agency/Getty Images)
Slovenia's manager Matjaz Kek has thrown down the gauntlet, urging Benjamin Sesko to swerve any big money moves to Saudi Arabia.
Article continues below
The RB Leipzig hotshot, 22, who's caught Arsenal's eye, is in the midst of negotiations with the North Londoners for a possible summer switch, reports the Mirror.
Kek didn't mince his words, saying: "I would advise him never to go there. At least not at his age. This is a great recognition, these are clubs that mean a lot.
"It's not that I underestimate the Saudi league, on the contrary, I worked there at Ittihad and the club is still a part of me, I also watch the league regularly, but the time will come for that.
"I am sure that Benjamin himself and the people who care for him will be smart enough and find a solution. That is, he goes somewhere where he can play football, because that is the only way he can be happy."
Rodrygo clarifies stance
Rodrygo
Rodrygo has been the subject of transfer speculation(Image: Jean Catuffe/Getty Images)
Real Madrid's Rodrygo has seemingly quashed rumours of a move away from the Bernabeu amidst whispers of Arsenal's interest.
The Brazilian ace, whose name has cropped up on Berta's summer wishlist, took to social media to signal his contentment at the Spanish giants.
Despite the buzz, any switch hinges on the 24-year-old forward agitating for a change of scene. Rodrygo is gearing up to represent Real in the Club World Cup, even as he navigates a crowded attack line, further bolstered last term by Kylian Mbappe's arrival.
Yet, Rodrygo's latest Instagram update suggests he's brushing off any unrest rumours. He shared a simple message of "happy" with a smiley and a white heart emoji, alongside an image of himself at Real Madrid training – hinting he's not looking for a transfer anytime soon.
Gyokeres 'to strike'
Swedish forward Viktor Gyokeres is reportedly prepared to down tools at Sporting CP after the club allegedly reneged on a promise, Portuguese media claim.
Gyokeres is seething after his current club reportedly hiked up his transfer fee, despite previously agreeing the 27-year-old could depart for significantly less than his release clause.
Article continues below
Sporting are still prepared to honour that but are now demanding £67m instead of £50million plus £8.4m in add-ons, according to Record.
Sporting have denied that such an agreement was in place and the club's president, Frederico Varandas, has fired back with a heated response, asserting he will not be blackmailed or threatened into making a deal.