Arsenal are making the first moves in what promises to be a busy summer after enduring another trophyless season
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Arsenal are setting in motion the first steps of a productive summer as they look to buck their trend of second-place finishes next term.
It was once again a case of close but not close enough for Mikel Arteta’s side in 2024/25. Finishing second fiddle to the Premier League champions for a third successive season, the Gunners endured another trophyless campaign after their Champions League push fell at the hands of eventual winners PSG.
A key reason for their failure to achieve was an attacking injury crisis that forced Mikel Merino to take up a role of makeshift number nine, and despite their undeniable quality in the starting XI, Arsenal’s depth is far from good enough for a team hopeful of major titles.
Arsenal were plagued with an attacking injury crisis last seasonopen image in gallery
Arsenal were plagued with an attacking injury crisis last season (PA Wire)
And with numerous players already on the chopping block, Arteta has promised a “big” summer of recruitment at the Emirates.
With the transfer window having re-opened on 16 June, a striker remains top of the club’s shopping list, and it looks like they’ll get one soon as they have struck an agreement with Sporting over a move for Viktor Gyokeres.
Elsewhere, deals for midfielders and defenders are being pursued, with Noni Madueke set to sign and Ebere Eze being considered.
New sporting director Andrea Berta is leading the club’s transfer dealings, and Arsenal will be hoping he can replicate his Atleti exploits in London as Arteta looks to lead the club back to the Premier League pinnacle for the first time since 2006.
Here’s everything you need to know about Arsenal’s summer transfer plans.
Arrivals & areas to improve
The obvious priority for Arsenal will be to sign at least one world class striker. Gabriel Jesus is sidelined with a serious injury that could keep him out until midway through next season, and while the returning Kai Havertz remains one of Arteta’s favoured players, there is a strong desire to add an out-and-out proven goalscorer to the ranks, hence the imminent arrival of Gyokeres.
The Gunners have added a top-class midfielder as they completed a deal for Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi, with the 26-year-old Spaniard joining for around £60m a year after apparently rejecting the advances of Liverpool.
In addition, Christian Norgaard joins from Brentford as a defensive cover option, while they could yet add Ebere Eze as a more attacking choice.
Inconsistency on the Gabriel Martinelli front means that a winger has been targeted, with Noni Madueke likely bringing healthy competition for the Brazilian (if not replacing him entirely).
Elsewhere, cover is expected to be sought at full-back with current options touted for exits – with the Gunners having agreed a deal for Valencia’s Cristhian Mosquera – while a backup goalkeeper for David Raya has been acquired with the arrival of Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Done deals
Ins: Martin Zubimendi (Real Sociedad, £60m), Christian Norgaard (Brentford, £10m), Kepa Arrizabalaga (Chelsea, £5m).
Outs: Nuno Tavares (Lazio, £7m), Marquinhos (Cruzeiro £2.5m), Jorginho (Flamengo, free transfer), Kieran Tierney (Celtic, free transfer), Takehiro Tomiyasu (leaves as free agent), Thomas Partey (leaves as free agent).
Potential targets
Viktor Gyokeres, Sporting CP
Arsenal need a striker and prolific Sporting frontman Gyokeres, 26, now has re-emerged as their first choice, with a deal thought to be imminent.
The ex-Coventry man has stamped his mark as one of the best in his position in Europe, netting 97 goals in just 102 appearances across two seasons in Lisbon.
Rumours suggest that the Gunners have already had several bids rejected, though they have made a breakthrough in recent days and the Sweden striker seems destined for the Emirates.
Viktor Gyokeres could be set for a return to English football this summeropen image in gallery
Viktor Gyokeres could be set for a return to English football this summer (Getty Images)
Ebere Eze, Crystal Palace
Palace midfielder Eze has emerged as a midfield target for the Gunners, with Mikel Arteta likely valuing the England international’s ability to play in several attacking positions.
Eze impressed for Palace last season and scored the winner in the Eagles’ memorable FA Cup final triumph, with a goal that perfectly illustrated his ability in the final third.
Reports suggest the 27-year-old is undeterred by the imminent arrival of Noni Madueke, and Arsenal are said to be hoping to agree a deal below his £68m release clause.
Eze has performed well for both Palace and England in recent monthsopen image in gallery
Eze has performed well for both Palace and England in recent months (The FA via Getty Images)
Noni Madueke, Chelsea
Chelsea winger Noni Madueke is another player who looks like he’ll be signing for the Gunners very soon, with the England international having left Chelsea’s Club World Cup camp early to undergo a medical.
He is set to join in a deal worth around £52m, and will likely provide back-up to both Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli as well as direct competition to the Brazilian.
Cristhian Mosquera, Valencia
Arsenal are clearly remembering to plan for the future too, with a deal for young Valencia defender Cristhian Mosquera also in the works.
The Gunners are said to have agreed a deal worth an initial £13m plus add-ons, with the 21-year-old about to sign a five-year deal at the Emirates.
Mosquera has impressed for both Valencia and Spain's youth sidesopen image in gallery
Mosquera has impressed for both Valencia and Spain's youth sides (Getty Images)
Benjamin Sesko, RB Leipzig
Though the deal for Viktor Gyokeres appears imminent, if it were to miraculously fall through, Arsenal cold well turn their attentions back to RB Leipzig sharpshooter Benjamin Sesko.
The 22-year-old has a penchant for ripping the net off and Arteta reportedly sanctioned talks with the Slovenian, with the German club reportedly looking for between £65m and £85m.
Arsenal are rapidly turning their attention to RB Leipzig frontman Benjamin Seskoopen image in gallery
Arsenal are rapidly turning their attention to RB Leipzig frontman Benjamin Sesko (Getty Images)