Arsenal are yet to sign any new players in the summer transfer window, but Mikel Arteta has promised fans a "big summer" in the market as he looks to overhaul his squad
09:53, 23 Jun 2025
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 18: Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Newcastle United FC at Emirates Stadium on May 18, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Jacques Feeney/Offside/Offside via Getty Images)
Mikel Arteta is yet to land a striker(Image: Jacques Feeney/Offside, Offside via Getty Images)
Arsenal haven't made any new signings yet, but Mikel Arteta is eager to bolster his squad across several key areas.
The Gunners' boss has hinted at a "big summer" ahead in the transfer market. Securing a new striker is at the top of Arsenal's wish list, with Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres the two prominent names linked. Also, a move for Real Sociedad's midfielder Martin Zubimendi appears to be closing in.
After finishing runners-up in the Premier League for three consecutive seasons, Arteta is determined to see his team clinch the title next season, which would be their first since 2004.
Here, the Daily Star Sport looks at the latest Arsenal transfer news
Sesko salary saga
It's understood that Arsenal's pursuit of a new striker has been slowed by Benjamin Sesko's wage demands, causing frustration at the club.
Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig looks on during the 1. Bundesliga match between RB Leipzig and VfB Stuttgart at Red Bull arena, Leipzig, Germany on May 17, 2025. (Photo by Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Benjamin Sesko's Arsenal move has stalled over salary demands(Image: NurPhoto, NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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The North London outfit are prepared to shell out £70million for the RB Leipzig sensation, but negotiations over Sesko's salary are proving to be a sticking point. Reports suggest that the 22-year-old's agents are holding out for a salary package that far exceeds what Arsenal are willing to offer.
This impasse could lead the Gunners to reconsider their options and turn their attention to Sporting Lisbon's Viktor Gyokeres. Gyokeres is reportedly keen on a switch to the Premier League as Arsenal keep their options open.
Guehi's verdict
Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi is reportedly set to turn down Arsenal in favour of a move to Liverpool, as per a report from The Sun.
IPSWICH, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 03: Marc Guehi of Crystal Palace acknowledges the fans, whilst wearing a rainbow coloured Captains Armband which reads "Jesus hearts You" after the Premier League match between Ipswich Town FC and Crystal Palace FC at Portman Road on December 03, 2024 in Ipswich, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Marc Guehi has attracted interest this summer(Image: Julian Finney, Getty Images)
Both clubs have shown interest in the England defender, but Guehi is seeking guaranteed first-team football, which he believes is more likely at Liverpool. William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes have established a formidable centre-back duo for Arsenal in recent seasons.
Liverpool, on the other hand are offloading Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen and there are uncertainties surrounding the future of Ibrahima Konate, whose contract is set to expire next summer.
Zubimendi delay
MUNICH, GERMANY - JUNE 8: Martin Zubimendi of Spain during the UEFA Nations League 2025 final match between Portugal and Spain at Munich Football Arena on June 8, 2025 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Crystal Pix/MB Media/Getty Images)
Arsenal are close to concluding a deal to sign Martin Zubimendi(Image: Crystal Pix/MB Media, Getty Images)
Martin Zubimendi's transfer to Arsenal is anticipated to be officially announced in July, despite the midfielder already being in the UK to seal the deal.
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Zubimendi was in London on Friday to finalise the move, but Real Sociedad prefer to wait until July for financial reasons, as the current football financial year ends on June 30.
Zubimendi has a £51m release clause, but the Gunners are expected to pay a fee that could rise to £55m after negotiating better payment terms with Sociedad.