Arsenal are preparing to complete a significant number of deals in the summer transfer window as they aim to bridge the gap to Liverpool at the top of the Premier League.
Having seen Arne Slot's side seemingly take the quick approach to strengthening, there has been concern in some quarters that the Gunners may be left behind and are too slow on the uptake of new players. However, football.london understands in contrary to that belief, Mikel Arteta's side are expected to do the majority of their business before the pre-season starts in late July.
So with this in mind, football.london has enlisted the help of Google's AI assistant Gemini to get a look into the future. The technology believes that there shall be eight deals completed before the window shuts for good on Monday, September 1 and we have broken them down for you below.
Outs
Beginning with outgoings and two likely departures come in the form of Fabio Vieira and Sambi Lokonga who have spent the 2024/25 season on loan at Porto and Sevilla respectively. They are both coming close to the end of their contracts, particularly Lokonga whose deal expires in 2026 so it is likely that Arsenal will be looking to secure fees for them this year.
Oleksandr Zinchenko never had a consistent run in the first team this season with injuries playing a partial role in that. The Ukrainian is reportedly being eyed by AC Milan and Gemini believes that his time in north London is coming to an end.
Finally, the AI software expects that either Gabriel Martinelli or Leandro Trossard are likely to depart this summer. Trossard has been in negotiations with the club regarding a new contract but has also been the subject of interest from the Saudi Pro League.
Gabriel Martinelli pictured during Arsenal training
Gabriel Martinelli could leave Arsenal this summer (Image: Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Martinelli has also been mentioned as a potential target for Barcelona should they be unable to sign Marcus Rashford or Luis Diaz. Either way, Gemini expects one of those wingers to leave.
Ins
Now to the far more interesting topic of new additions. The big deal is set to be for a striker and Gemini believes that only one of either Benjamin Sesko or Viktor Gyokeres will join and the AI is leaning toward the former joining.
Sesko is said to have the advantage over the Swede due to his age and potential resale value. The RB Leipzig talisman has a £93m release clause in his deal in Germany but football.london understands there is a gentleman's agreement in place that would prevent Arsenal having to pay a figure that high.
Martin Zubimendi's arrival from Real Sociedad is defined as 'highly probable' as it has been on the cards for much of this year. It is looking likely that a fee of £55m will be paid to the La Liga club for the defensive midfielder.
Barcelona, Bayern Munich and indeed Arsenal target Nico Williams is also listed as an arrival that could strengthen the left wing following the departure of either Martinelli or Trossard. The Athletic Club star appears to be keen to exit the Basque Country following a slightly subdued season in Bilbao and has a £58m release clause in his current contract.
Finally, wrapping up their business, the Gunners are tipped to bring in a back-up goalkeeper to support David Raya.
football.london understands that Chelsea's Kepa Arrizabalaga is thought to be on the cusp of signing having agreed to move across the capital.
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Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus with the Arsenal Therapy Dog Win during the Arsenal Men's team group shoot at London Colney on September 18, 2023
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