Arsenal were keen to get their business done early in the summer transfer window but the search to sign a new striker continues as the Viktor Gyokeres saga rumbles on
07:00, 29 Jun 2025
LISBON, PORTUGAL - MAY 17: Viktor Gyokeres of Sporting runs in the field during the Liga Portugal Betclic match between Sporting Clube de Portugal and Vitoria SC at Estádio José Alvalade on May 17, 2025 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Maciej Rogowski/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
Viktor Gyokeres continues to push for a move to Arsenal(Image: Eurasia Sport Images, Getty Images)
Arsenal recognise the need for a busy summer transfer window, having secured second place in the Premier League for the third consecutive season – and things are finally starting to heat up.
They're working on transfers across all positions, with back-up goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga poised to join from Chelsea, midfielder Martin Zubimendi arriving from Real Sociedad and Christian Norgaard coming from Brentford. The Gunners also seek a centre-back, a top-class winger and a centre-forward to bolster Mikel Arteta's squad.
The struggles in their pursuit of a striker has irked some fans who are eager for a high-profile signing upfront. The debate there has been narrowed down to Benjamin Sesko or Viktor Gyokeres.
That question remains unanswered, but sporting director Andrea Berta continues to work on it. Arsenal are also chasing a centre-back to strengthen their defensive options.
Here, the Daily Star Sport looks at the latest Arsenal transfer news.
Gyokeres stance
LISBON, PORTUGAL - MAY 25: Viktor Gyokeres of Sporting looks on during the Portuguese Cup final match between SL Benfica and Sporting CP at Estadio Nacional do Jamor on May 25, 2025 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Pedro Loureiro/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
Viktor Gyokeres threatens to go on strike at Sporting(Image: Eurasia Sport Images, Getty Images)
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Arsenal are still believed to favour Sesko over Gyokeres, but the Portuguese press has offered a different viewpoint on the saga. O Jogo reports that Gyokeres has been granted permission to join Sporting for pre-season training late.
The Swedish striker has reportedly informed Sporting he won't play for them again and is determined to push through a move as soon as possible. He only has eyes for Arsenal – and the Gunners are aware of his stance.
Arsenal's prior bid of €55m (£47m) plus add-ons for the player was turned down, and according to reports, the Gunners now believe an increased offer of €60m (£51m) with a further €10m (£8.5m) in achievable bonuses will be enough to secure their target.
They've purportedly reached this agreement with Gyokeres' agent, Hasan Cetinkaya, yet Sporting's president Frederico Varandas is holding out for €80m (£68m), which ultimately is the decisive factor.
Mosquera demand
VALENCIA, SPAIN - APRIL 22: Cristhian Mosquera of Valencia CF gestures during the Spanish league, La Liga EA Sports, football match played between Valencia CF and RCD Espanyol at Mestalla stadium on April 22, 2025, in Valencia, Spain. (Photo By Ivan Terron/Europa Press via Getty Images)
Arsenal want to sign Cristhian Mosquera(Image: Europa Press Sports, Europa Press via Getty Images)
Valencia are keen to retain Cristhian Mosquera despite Arsenal having a previous approach rebuffed. The 21-year-old defender has entered the last year of his contract with Valencia, prompting discussions over his future either through a renewal or a potential sale.
Valencia captain Jose Gaya revealed the sentiments within the dressing room regarding Mosquera and fellow team-mates Javi Guerra and Cesar Tarrega during a stint on Spanish radio. He stated: "I would be delighted if all three could stay because I think they can give a lot this new season and bring a lot of joy to the fans. As of today, unless there's any breaking news, I think all three of them are still with us, and I hope it continues like this, and they continue to grow as players."
Despite these obstacles, Arsenal are said to be persistent in their chase for Mosquera, who has become their top central defence target as Liverpool reportedly lead the race to sign Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi.
Partey popped
PARIS, FRANCE - MAY 07: Thomas Partey of Arsenal during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Semi Final Second Leg match between Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal FC at Parc des Princes on May 07, 2025 in Paris, France. (Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)
Thomas Partey looks set to leave Arsenal(Image: James Gill - Danehouse, Getty Images)
Thomas Partey's contract is due to expire on June 30 and, with no new deal in sight, it seems he is poised to depart Arsenal on a free transfer. He has been linked with a move to Saudi Arabia, but reports from Turkey suggest Fenerbahce could be his next destination.
Fenerbahce's sporting director, Devin Ozek, has reportedly travelled to London to discuss terms with the Ghanaian international's representatives. Jose Mourinho is said to be eager to secure Partey's services, who ranks higher than Leicester's Wilfried Ndidi on their transfer wishlist.
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Arsenal have already made provisions for his exit, with Zubimendi and Norgaard brought in to fill the void left by Partey and Jorginho.