Arsenal are hoping to move quickly in the transfer market this summer as they look to end their Premier League title drought, but two deals are looking increasingly unlikely
08:56, 13 Jun 2025
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 18: Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal, gestures during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Newcastle United FC at Emirates Stadium on May 18, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Mikel Arteta has a busy summer ahead(Image: undefined via Getty Images)
Arsenal's bustling summer transfer window has hit a bit of a snag. The Gunners had been keen to act swiftly to provide Mikel Arteta with the ideal launchpad to finally clinch the Premier League title.
It's been 21 years since the London club last bagged the English top-flight, and they've ended up as runners-up for three consecutive years. Topping their agenda is beefing up their attacking line-up. Viktor Gyokeres is one player on their radar, but Sporting CP are proving rather reluctant to let him go as relations between Gyokeres and the Portuguese champions have soured.
His agent is due to jet off to London for discussions with Arsenal chiefs, as they gear up to make a move for him. However, it's not all rosy, with another prime target, Nico Williams, looking increasingly unlikely to be at the Emirates next season.
His team, Athletic Bilbao, are hell-bent on retaining the Euro 2024 winner and are now considering offering him a new contract. Here, Daily Star Sport brings you all the latest Arsenal transfer news.
Athletic Bilbao eye Nico Williams deal
Nico Williams of Athletic Bilbao reacts to Manchester United's third goal last week
Athletic Bilbao are hoping to lock down Nico Williams(Image: Guillermo Martinez/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Athletic Bilbao are planning to offer Nico Williams a new contract, dealing a blow to Arsenal's hopes of snapping him up. The Gunners had earmarked the winger as one of their key targets for this summer's window, reports the Mirror.
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While he has a £50m release clause in his contract, AS now report that Bilbao are aiming to offer him a fresh deal. It's said that the La Liga side have been in talks with Williams' representatives 'for weeks'.
His current contract is set to run out in the summer of 2027, but Bilbao are crossing their fingers that a new deal will entice him to stay put. They're keen to hike up his buyout clause too, but Williams is opposed to the idea.
Arsenal get a heads-up
Frankfurt value Hugo Ekitike at £85m.
Hugo Ekitike has been linked with the Gunners(Image: Getty)
Eintracht Frankfurt's top dog Markus Krosche has dropped a clear message that they aren't in a rush to flog Hugo Ekitike despite Arsenal sniffing around.
Ekitike's been on fire, banging in 22 goals and providing 12 assists for Frankfurt this term. The young gun only moved last summer from PSG to Frankfurt and has four years to go on his current deal.
Frankfurt have tagged him with a hefty £85 million price tag, as Krosche made it plain in his chat with Wiesbadener Kurier: "If the price isn't right, then he'll simply stay with us. We don't have to sell Hugo."
Viktor Gyokeres meeting on the cards
Viktor Gyokeres' team are about to jet off for a meeting with Arsenal while the player's relationship with Sporting Lisbon keeps hitting stormy waters.
The Swedish sensation is high up on the Gunners' wishlist, though wrangling out a deal is proving tough.
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CNN Portugal is reporting that his agent’s boarding a flight for serious meetings at Arsenal, aiming to fast-track his switch to the London club.
With the Gunners gagging for a new frontman, no official offer's been sent over to Sporting yet, but word is that Arsenal's tactics are all set and ready to roll.