Here is a roundup of some Arsenal news, gossip and transfer speculation that you guys could have missed featuring Martin Zubimendi, Gabriel Martinelli and Bradley Barcola
Chelsea are pushing to sign Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi this summer, according to the latest reports, with the Spanish international emerging as a potential target for new head coach Xabi Alonso.
Reports in England and Spain suggest Chelsea are exploring a move for Zubimendi as they look to strengthen their midfield ahead of the new campaign. Alonso is understood to be keen on the player, having previously admired the 27-year-old during his time in Spain and at Real Madrid.
Arsenal’s position on Zubimendi’s future remains unclear, with the Gunners not currently indicating that they are actively looking to sell one of their key midfielders. However, reports from Mundo Deportivo claim Arsenal would demand at least €90 million (£77 million) before considering a deal.
The reported valuation would represent a significant increase on the fee Arsenal paid to sign Zubimendi from Real Sociedad in 2025. The Premier League confirmed at the time that ARSENAL had completed the signing of the Spain international, who arrived as part of Mikel Arteta’s midfield rebuild.
Zubimendi has since established himself as an important member of ARSENAL‘s squad, adding control and defensive discipline to their midfield. His performances have also maintained his status as a regular member of Spain’s international setup.
CHELSEA‘s interest comes at a time when Arsenal have further strengthened their midfield. The Gunners have reportedly completed the signing of Bruno Guimarães, giving Arteta another high-level option in the centre of the pitch and potentially creating greater competition for places.
That development has fuelled speculation over Zubimendi’s future, although there is currently no indication that ARSENAL have decided to part company with him. Any potential departure would leave the club needing to weigh the financial benefits of a major sale against the sporting importance of retaining the midfielder.
Chelsea, meanwhile, are continuing to reshape their squad under Alonso and are expected to remain active in the transfer market. Zubimendi’s technical ability, positional intelligence and experience at the highest level make him an attractive option for the club’s midfield.
Real Madrid have also been linked with the player, meaning Chelsea could face competition if Arsenal become willing to negotiate.
BARCOLA PREFERS LONDON MOVE
PSG star Bradley Barcola has been backed to make a move to Arsenal over Liverpool, as he would prEfer to live in London if he leaves the French Champions.
Arsenal could be ready to rival Liverpool for the signing of Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola, with the Gunners reportedly revisiting their interest in the France international after missing out on Vinicius Junior.
The 23-year-old has emerged as a potential alternative for Arsenal as Mikel Arteta continues to assess attacking options ahead of the new season. Barcola’s representatives are understood to have made contact with the north London club to establish whether they would be prepared to reignite their interest.
Liverpool have already held preliminary discussions with PSG over a potential deal for the winger, according to the latest reports. However, the reigning Premier League champions are yet to make a formal move, with PSG’s valuation believed to be a major obstacle.
The French champions are reportedly demanding around £145 million for Barcola, a figure that neither Liverpool nor Arsenal currently appear willing to meet.
Arsenal are believed to value the former Lyon academy graduate closer to £130m, leaving a sizeable gap between their valuation and PSG’s asking price. Any move would therefore require significant negotiations if the Gunners are to turn their renewed interest into a concrete offer
Asked whether Barcola would be better suited to ARSENAL or Liverpool, Perry Groves told talkSPORT: ‘I’ve got no dog in the fight, but I would say the Gooners because LIVERPOOL are a team that are in transition.
‘Andoni Iraola going in there, imposing his own philosophy, his own style with all the new signings coming in.
‘If you were Barcola and you thought, what out of those two sides have got the most chance of winning the Premier League or Champions League, at the moment you’d say it was Arsenal.
‘So it’s whether Arsenal want to go in, if they go in for him, then there would have been advances being made to his people.
‘Because they don’t want to be seen losing out on Vinicius Junior being played like a little kitten with a ball of wool, but Arsenal have to be in for those sorts of players. That’s the level Arsenal are at now.’
Groves, who won two league titles at ARSENAL, added: ‘I’ve got a source that says he [Barcola] wants to live in London.
‘I can’t tell you (who), I can’t divulge my sources. I’ve got a source. I’ve got a mole. Barcola wants to live in London.’
MARTINELLI FREE TO LEAVE
Galatasaray have added Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli to their shortlist as the Turkish giants explore attacking reinforcements, according to Italian transfer journalist Gianluca Di Marzio.
Martinelli has emerged as an option for the Turkish champions as they assess alternatives to AC Milan star Rafael Leao. Di Marzio reports that the Brazilian is among the wingers being considered by Galatasaray, with the Istanbul club continuing to search for a high-profile addition to their attack.
The development could raise fresh questions over Martinelli’s future at Arsenal, where the 25-year-old has developed into a popular figure among supporters since arriving from Brazilian club Ituano in 2019.
Known for his pace, direct running and relentless work rate, Martinelli quickly became a fan favourite in north London. His explosive performances and willingness to attack defenders helped establish him as an important part of Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal side, while his personality and commitment have also earned him cult-hero status among sections of the Emirates Stadium support.
However, the latest reports suggest Arsenal could be open to considering offers for the Brazil international as they continue to reshape their attacking options.
Martinelli’s potential availability would represent a significant opportunity for Galatasaray, who are looking to strengthen their squad with another elite attacking player. The Turkish club’s interest in Leao remains prominent, but Martinelli has reportedly been identified as an alternative should their pursuit of the AC Milan winger fail.
There has been no indication that a transfer agreement has been reached between Galatasaray and ARSENAL, meaning the situation remains at an exploratory stage. The Turkish side’s interest, however, could develop into a more concrete approach as the transfer window progresses.
For Arsenal, any decision to sell Martinelli would be significant. The Brazilian has spent much of his professional career in north London and remains a recognisable member of Arteta’s squad.
Yet Arsenal’s willingness to listen to offers, if confirmed, would underline the club’s determination to continually evolve their attacking department and ensure they have the players required to compete at the highest level.
Martinelli’s future is therefore becoming one to watch closely. Galatasaray have made their interest known, ARSENAL appear prepared to consider their options, and the Brazilian could now find himself at the centre of an unexpected transfer saga
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