Arsenal's summer transfer window plans have been hit by a big blow as a top target considers his options and another man in demand gets the green light
07:59, 03 Apr 2025Updated 08:02, 03 Apr 2025
(Image: Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Arsenal kicked off their season run-in with a mixed 2-1 victory at home against Fulham on Tuesday.
Bukayo Saka celebrated his long-awaited return from injury with a goal, but injuries to defenders Gabriel Magalhaes and Jurrien Timber cast a shadow over the win. With less than a week until the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final showdown with Real Madrid, Mikel Arteta will be anxiously monitoring the pair's fitness.
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The Gunners are set to face Everton on Saturday, as they strive to keep their slim hopes of catching Liverpool and clinching the Premier League title alive. Despite the possibility that the 2024-25 season may end without silverware and instead with an outpouring of disappointment from supporters, fans have been assured of a 'big summer' by Arteta.
Andrea Berta has been named as the club's new sporting director and will oversee recruitment. A deal for Martin Zubimendi has been in the works since January, but there's been a new development which is a setback for Arsenal, who are also looking to sign a striker, reports the Mirror. Here's a summary of the latest news from the Emirates.
Zubimendi transfer blow
MADRID, SPAIN - APRIL 01: Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad controls the ball during the Copa del Rey semifinal match between Real Madrid and Real Sociedad at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on April 01, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad(Image: Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Arsenal transfer target Martin Zubimendi would be 'delighted' to sign for Real Madrid, according to a report from Spain.
Zubimendi, 26, had the opportunity to showcase his skills at the Bernabeu on Tuesday, as his current team Real Socieded suffered a heartbreaking extra-time loss in the Copa del Rey semi-finals.
The dream of winning the cup with his boyhood team could have been a perfect farewell for Martin Zubimendi, as Arsenal are set to trigger his €60million (£51m) release clause.
However, in an unexpected turn of events, Real Madrid are reportedly considering swooping in and stealing him away from north London, according to Defensa Central, who also suggest that he would be open to the move.
Vlahovic race
Meanwhile, the race to sign Dusan Vlahovic is heating up. Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United are all reportedly still interested in the Juventus striker.
With just over a year left on his contract, Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Juve have given Vlahovic permission to seek a new club.
The 25-year-old Serbian international has been linked with Arsenal since the Gunners attempted to sign him from Fiorentina in January 2022.
Despite becoming one of Europe's most feared young strikers, Juventus managed to secure his services first, completing an €80m (£66.4m) transfer.
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He has 14 foals in 35 games for Juventus this season, but just nine of them in Serie A.