Arsenal are desperate to land a top-class striker in the summer transfer window but Mikel Arteta is facing competition for a number of targets and is considering launching a blockbuster move for Julian Alvarez
07:39, 23 May 2025
MADRID, SPAIN - MAY 18: Julian Alvarez of Atletico de Madrid celebrates scoring his team's third goal during the La Liga EA Sports match between Atletico de Madrid and Real Betis Balompie at Riyadh Air Metropolitano on May 18, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
Arsenal could launch a blockbuster move for Julian Alvarez(Image: undefined via Getty Images)
Next season is shaping up to be a pivotal one in Mikel Arteta's tenure at Arsenal. After a fifth year without silverware, Arteta's sole aim is to finally end that trophy drought.
However, to achieve this, the Gunners will need to significantly bolster their squad in this summer's transfer window. The priority is signing a top-class striker to provide the goals that Arteta's team have been desperately lacking.
Sporting Lisbon ace Viktor Gyokeres has been strongly linked with a switch to the Emirates, though other targets have also been evaluated. One of those is Hugo Ekitike, who has had an outstanding season at Eintracht Frankfurt.
But it now seems that the Gunners have lost out on the 22-year-old to Premier League rivals Chelsea. Meanwhile, Arteta has also reiterated his wish for Thomas Partey to remain at the club.
Here, the Daily Star Sport looks at the latest Arsenal transfer news.
Gunners lose out on Ekitike
Arsenal are poised to lose out on Hugo Ekitike to Premier League rivals Chelsea. The Frenchman has had a brilliant season with Eintracht Frankfurt, scoring 22 goals to help them secure a Champions League spot.
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FRANKFURT AM MAIN, GERMANY - APRIL 26: Hugo Ekitike of Eintracht Frankfurt celebrates scoring his team's third goal during the Bundesliga match between Eintracht Frankfurt and RB Leipzig at Deutsche Bank Park on April 26, 2025 in Frankfurt am Main, Germany. (Photo by Christof Koepsel/Getty Images)
Hugo Ekitike has plenty of suitors(Image: undefined via Getty Images)
The 22-year-old's performance had caught the eye of Arsenal, with Frankfurt prepared to let him go, provided their valuation is met - previously reported to be around £80million. According to RMC Sport, several clubs have made an approach, including the Gunners and Chelsea.
The Blues are currently leading the race to sign the striker, with talks already in progress. Ekitike is a key target for Enzo Maresca, and although the ex-PSG ace remains calm about his future, negotiations are heating up.
Partey's future update
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has made it clear he wants to keep Thomas Partey beyond this season, despite the midfielder's contract winding down. While is no agreement on a new deal yet, Arteta is pulling out all the stops to persuade him to commit his future to the Gunners.
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 18: Thomas Partey of Arsenal looks on during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Newcastle United FC at Emirates Stadium on May 18, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Mikel Arteta wants Thomas Partey to stay at Arsenal(Image: undefined via Getty Images)
"There's some question marks on a few of them, so we'll have to wait and see. We still have another Premier League match to play on Sunday and after that, we have some time to sit down and finalise a few things that have to be done," Arteta remarked.
"In regards to Thomas, I think consistency-wise it's been his best season. I think the way he's played and performed, his availability has been exceptional and he's a really important player for us."
Arsenal move for Alvarez
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In a stunning move, Arsenal have set their sights on Julian Alvarez. Reports from El Chiringuito suggest that the Gunners are interested in signing Alvarez, who has had an impressive debut campaign with Atletico Madrid, netting 29 goals and providing six assists since his switch from Manchester City last summer.
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Reports suggest that Arsenal are now 'very interested' in the 25-year-old striker. Atletico Madrid are reportedly willing to let him go if they receive an offer exceeding the £80m they forked out to Manchester City for his services last year.