Arsenal are believed to be the main contenders to sign a former Manchester City star, with sporting director Andrea Berta now identifying him as one of his major summer priorities.
Arsenal urged to make "statement" striker signing amid Rodrygo talks
Kai Havertz is now back on the grass after what was thought to be a season-ending hamstring injury, but Gabriel Jesus' severe ACL problem could still have him out until 2026.
rodrygo Related
Arsenal: Berta now targeting £80m Premier League star as Rodrygo talks stall
They're having problems in pursuit of the Brazilian.
Over the second half of 2024/2025, Mikel Arteta has been forced to utilise midfielder Mikel Merino in an emergency striker role due to Arsenal's shortage of options, and the Gunners often struggled to put teams away over a disappointing top flight campaign.
Arsenal drew more games than any other side in the Premier League top ten, with their lack of ruthlessness in the final third proving a very considerable worry. Berta has reportedly set his sights on a prolific striker for Arsenal this summer as a result.
Arsenal transfer spending under Arteta (via Sky Sports) Money on new signings
19/20 - winter £0
20/21 - summer £81.5m
20/21 - winter £900k
21/22 - summer £156.8m
21/22 - winter £1.8m
22/23 - summer £121.5m
22/23 - winter £59m
23/24 - summer £208m
23/24 - winter £0
24/25 - summer £101.5m
24/25 - winter £0
As per Sky Germany's Florian Plettenberg, Arsenal are in concrete talks to sign Benjamin Sesko, with keen interest in Sporting CP's Viktor Gyokeres remaining as the club weigh up their best options.
Arsenal have also held talks over a move for Real Madrid winger Rodrygo, as they attempt to add more goals and assists to Arteta's squad. Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson, speaking to Football Insider recently, explained why the signing of a centre-forward and Rodrygo would be a "statement".
rodrygo-arsenal-real-madrid
"[Rodrygo] is a wide player – they need a number nine, but if you sign him and a number nine, that’s a real statement”, said the pundit.
“What it would cost you to get Rodrygo, and would he want to go to Arsenal, is two different things. The need for a number nine is pressing. Saka will play on the right-hand side, Rodrygo can play on the left – if you have those two as a wide pairing, that’s one hell of a pairing to fit in behind a world-class number nine."
Arsenal now "strongest bidder" to sign Atletico Madrid star Julian Alvarez
The consensus has been that Arsenal's statement striker signing this summer is likely to be one of Sesko or Gyokeres - but it is now believed that Atletico Madrid star Julian Alvarez is near the top of Berta's transfer list as well.
Atletico Madrid's Julian Alvarez scores a penalty during the penalty shootout wich is later disallowed after a VAR review
The Argentine is a relatively new target for Berta, just one year after his £82 million switch to Atletico from Eastlands, with Alvarez going on to enjoy a very impressive debut season for the Spanish heavyweights.
The 25-year-old World Cup winner, who's contract reportedly includes a £126 million release clause, couldn't get in ahead of Erling Haaland in the City pecking order, but he's since showcased his real quality with 29 goals and seven assists in all competitions throughout 2024/25.
julian-alvarez-premier-league-trophy-man-city
He was a big-game player in his debut season at Atletico as well, scoring against the likes of Real Madrid and Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League, not to mention Barcelona in the top flight.
According to Spanish newspaper Marca and journalist David Medina, this has attracted Berta's serious attention, who is now believed to be prioritising a deal for the South American. Arsenal have also emerged as the "strongest bidder" for Alvarez this summer, with Berta also playing a pivotal role in signing him for Atletico last summer, so he's a player that the Gunners transfer chief already knows very well.
A serial winner who's lifted nearly every major trophy just midway through his 20s, Alvarez is a very enticing target, with pundit Owen Hargreaves heaping praise on the centre-forward during his time at City.
Julian-Alvarez-Atletico-Madrid
“The thing about Alvarez, I don’t think I’ve ever seen him have a bad game,” Hargreaves said on TNT Sports in late 2023.
“He’s probably a natural centre forward but because of Haaland, you can play him up with him there, you can play him as the number 10. Obviously, with [Kevin] De Bruyne out injured.
“I think the thing that has stood out for me most is his set pieces. The quality on his corners and his crosses, and obviously his free-kick at the weekend.
“It is quite exceptional really.”