Arsenal are accelerating their summer transfer business with a bold plan to overhaul their attack. With midfielder Martin Zubimendi already signed from Real Sociedad, the Gunners are now focused on finalizing moves for striker Viktor Gyokeres and winger Noni Madueke, who are 2 key pieces in Mikel Arteta’s vision for the 2025/26 season.
According to BBC journalist Sami Mokbel, Arsenal’s sporting director Andrea Berta has flown to Portugal to negotiate directly with Sporting CP for Gyokeres, who has reportedly agreed to personal terms with the club. The only remaining obstacle is reaching an agreement on the transfer fee, expected to be around 70 million British pounds (approx. 95 million USD)
Arsenal Gyokeres and Madueke
Gyokeres, who had a breakout season in Portugal, is seen as the solution to Arsenal’s need for a physically dominant and clinical frontman.
Meanwhile, Arsenal are also closing in on Noni Madueke, currently at Chelsea. The Gunners have reportedly agreed on a 5-year contract with the English winger, and hope to finalize a fee of around 50 million Euros (approx. 58.5 million USD) by the end of the week.
But here’s the twist: Madueke, a natural right winger, is being targeted not as a backup for Bukayo Saka, but as a potential starter on the left wing. According to sources close to the club, Arteta plans to retrain Madueke to play on the opposite flank. This strategic shift would eliminate the need to chase Rodrygo from Real Madrid, whose 90 million Euros (approx. 105 million USD) price tag and Club World Cup commitments make him less attainable.
Arsenal’s transfer push doesn’t stop there. Talks are ongoing to sign Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace for the attacking midfield role, though his 65 million Euros (approx 76 million USD) valuation remains a sticking point. Arsenal would need to offload players to make this move financially feasible, and among those likely to be sold are: Oleksandr Zinchenko, Reiss Nelson, and Leandro Trossard
Eberechi Eze and Norgaard (right)
In contrast, the 13 million Euros (approx 15 million USD) deal for Brentford captain Christian Norgaard is progressing smoothly. Norgaard is expected to serve as a reliable defensive midfield option, providing cover for both Zubimendi and Declan Rice.
Additionally, recent rumors linking Gabriel Martinelli to a move to Saudi club Al Nassr have been shot down by sources close to the club. Arsenal reportedly have no intention of selling the Brazilian winger. In fact, Martinelli is viewed as an important asset, especially in case the Madueke deal falls through.
Should Madueke join, Martinelli is still expected to feature regularly, potentially rotating with Saka as needed.