Arsenal
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Arsenal have begun early groundwork for a busy summer transfer window, with sporting director Andrea Berta spearheading efforts to strengthen Mikel Arteta’s squad ahead of the new season.
The Gunners are believed to have agreed a deal in principle for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, with Arsenal prepared to activate his £51 million release clause. The Spanish international is expected to be among the first arrivals in what could be a transformative window at the Emirates.
Arsenal are also targeting reinforcements in attack, with RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko and Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres both high on the club’s shortlist. The North London side have also been linked with potential moves for Rodrygo, Ademola Lookman, Nico Williams, and Rafael Leão as they aim to add more firepower and creativity to their frontline.
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On the departures front, midfielder Jorginho has confirmed his exit, while left-back Oleksandr Zinchenko is reportedly set to follow. According to TheTelegraph’s Sam Dean, Arsenal are preparing to make Zinchenko available for transfer, with the Ukrainian defender entering the final year of his contract.
Arsenal - Oleksandr Zinchenko
Oleksandr Zinchenko (Image credit: Getty Images)
Kieran Tierney is already set to rejoin Celtic on a free transfer after running down his deal, and with promising youngsters Myles Lewis-Skelly and Riccardo Calafiori in Arteta’s plans, Zinchenko appears to be surplus to requirements.
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Arteta also has considerable depth at left-back, with versatile options such as Takehiro Tomiyasu, Jurrien Timber, and Jakub Kiwior all capable of playing on the left side of the defence. Despite being a reliable performer when called upon, Zinchenko has found regular starts hard to come by this season, managing just 719 minutes across all competitions.
Even so, Arsenal are expected to demand a respectable fee for the 28-year-old. A seasoned Premier League campaigner and regular for Ukraine, Zinchenko is still in his prime and could be an impactful signing for clubs in need of an experienced full-back.
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