Arsenal are continuing their search for a new striker and have been linked with a host of names - as one door closes another opens for Mikel Arteta
09:02, 20 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 are gearing up for a summer spree to boost their front line, with Mikel Arteta eager to snag a top striker to bolster the Gunners' silverware chase.
The North Londoners have been sniffing around Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres as potential signings in the next few weeks, while also keen on shoring up other positions. Martin Zubimendi is seemingly on his way to anchor the midfield despite late interest from Real Madrid, with eyes also peeled for a fresh winger and defensive talent.
Sporting director Andrea Berta has locked down Gabriel Magalhaes with a fresh contract and aims to get deals done for both Bukayo Saka and Myles Lewis-Skelly too. On the flip side, Jorginho has waved goodbye to the Emirates, and Kieran Tierney's departure is a done deal. Still, there's more graft ahead for Arsenal's squad bolstering efforts.
Here's all the latest transfer news from the Emirates.
Sesko's representative speaks
Benjamin Sesko looks on
Arsenal want to sign Benjamin Sesko(Image: Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Fending off rumours of twisting RB Leipzig's arm for a slashed price tag on striker Benjamin Sesko, his rep Elvis Basanovic insists they're playing it straight with the Bundesliga side.
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The Gunners have long wanted to see Sesko in red and white and have already won over the player, but the German outfit's holding out for a hefty sum, believed to be more than £60million, reports the Mirror.
However, Basanovic is having none of the bully-boy tactics talk. Speaking to Givemesport, he confirmed: "This is far from truth! We respect RB Leipzig and I am 100% convinced RB Leipzig will also respect our decision for the next step when we decide to do it.
"Even if there may be - or will be - a strong desire of the player to move to a certain club, we will never force or blackmail RB Leipzig. I believe this is not the right way, because the way you actually exit from the club shows your values. Values that you are bringing into a new club.
"I can understand in very big transfers, there are a lot of different interests but no matter what, I believe in football world should be more respect. So that's why we do things in the right way or we don't do them. It's very simple, even maybe in the media it looks very complicated."
Williams on brink of transfer
Nico Williams looks on during a match
Barcelona are keen on signing Nico Williams(Image: PA)
Spanish ace Nico Williams has reportedly agreed to a six-year deal with Barcelona, despite being long admired by Arteta.
The Athletic Bilbao winger seems poised for a summer exit and has caught the eye of Bayern Munich and Arsenal, as well as the Catalan giants.
Barca have reportedly tabled a wage offer between €7m-8m (£6m-7m) but haven't yet sealed the deal with their La Liga counterparts.
Williams' release clause sits around £50m, but the cash-strapped Spanish champions haven't finalised a financial agreement with Bilbao.
Partey talks stall
Thomas Partey
Thomas Partey sees his Arsenal deal expire at the end of the month(Image: Getty Images)
Thomas Partey appears set to part ways with Arsenal when his contract runs out at month's end.
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The midfielder was in discussions about extending his tenure at the club, but according to ESPN, negotiations have now hit a roadblock.
The ex-Atletico Madrid star has caught the eye of Turkish clubs and is rumoured to be on Barcelona's radar.
Partey, 32, has donned the Arsenal jersey 167 times since he signed up with the Gunners in October 2020.