Arsenal are busy in the summer transfer window and have reportedly agreed a stunning swap deal, while one Gunners star could be set for a new role at the club
14:10, 18 Jun 2026Updated 14:11, 18 Jun 2026
Mikel Arteta will be pleased that Arsenal are said to be making progress in the summer transfer window
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Mikel Arteta will be pleased that Arsenal are said to be making progress in the summer transfer window
Arsenal are making progress in the summer transfer window as World Cup 2026 unfolds.
Fifteen of Mikel Arteta's squad are currently battling it out in the United States, Canada and Mexico, with several already putting on stellar performances. However, behind the scenes, Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta are diligently working to bolster the squad ahead of the next season.
The Spaniard hinted at this in his post-match interview following the bitter penalty shootout loss to Paris Saint-Germain last month, suggesting the club needed to invest in more game-changers up front. The Gunners are believed to be focusing on a midfielder, a left winger and potentially a striker this summer, before they face Manchester City in the Community Shield on August 16. Here's all the latest news from the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta attends a press conference before the Gunners face Chelsea and on Transfer Deadline Day
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Mikel Arteta has big plans this summer at Arsenal(Image: Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
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Alvarez 'swap deal'
Arsenal have reportedly agreed an astonishing swap deal for Julian Alvarez, which would see last summer's marquee signing Viktor Gyokeres moving in the opposite direction.
Alvarez has been heavily linked with a move away from Atletico Madrid in recent months, following his exceptional two seasons in Spain, where he has netted 49 goals in 108 matches, reports the Mirror.
European champions PSG have shown interest in the Argentine, while Barcelona and Real Madrid have joined a high-profile contest to secure his services this summer.
However, it has now come to light the Gunners are at the forefront of this race to sign the 26-year-old and have even made headway by striking an agreement with Atleti.
Julian Alvarez
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Julian Alvarez is currently starring for Argentina at the World Cup(Image: Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 24: Viktor Gyokeres of Arsenal celebrates with the Premier League trophy after the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Arsenal at Selhurst Park on May 24, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Burstow/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
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Viktor Gyokeres of Arsenal celebrates with the Premier League trophy(Image: Alex Burstow/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Journalist Jota Jordi recently asserted on the El Chiringuito programme via Sportbible that Atletico boss Gil Marin informed Barcelona president Joan Laporta Alvarez is off the market. Jordi continued to state it's a "done deal" for Alvarez to put pen to paper for Arsenal.
However, the supposed arrangement isn't a direct transfer, with Jordi claiming the agreement is for €50m (£43m) plus Gunners striker Gyokeres.
Gyokeres joined the north Londoners last summer for a fee of £55m and managed to net 21 goals in 55 appearances across all competitions.
This aided Arsenal in ending a 22-year Premier League trophy drought, but the Swedish striker underwhelmed at times and only managed 14 goals in the league.
Odegaard's new role
Iraq captain Jalal Hassan and Norway counterpart Martin Odegaard pose with match officials
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Norway captain Martin Odegaard ahead of the game against Iraq in the World Cup(Image: Maddie Meyer - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
Martin Odegaard could be poised for a pivotal role at Arsenal after impressing with corner-taking duties for Norway.
The Gunners captain led his country during their 4-1 victory over Iraq on Tuesday as they kicked off their World Cup campaign in style.
In the final quarter of an hour of the match, Odegaard provided the assist for Leo Ostigard from a corner to extend Norway's lead.
His expertly-weighted delivery found the Genoa defender after he peeled away from Mustafa Saadoon at the near post, requiring only the gentlest of touches to guide it into the far corner.
Odegaard posed a continual danger with his set-piece deliveries - a big part of Arteta's strategy at Arsenal with dead ball situations integral to their tactics.
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While the Norwegian doesn't typically handle corners for Arsenal, he may have given Arteta food for thought after repeatedly whipping superb crosses into the penalty area.
At present, the duty lies with corner kick taker supreme Declan Rice on the left flank and talisman Bukayo Saka on the right, where Odegaard would represent a viable option, considering he is also left-footed.