This summer could be make or break for Mikel Arteta in his position as Arsenal manager, needing to make the right additions to catapult his side to Premier League glory.
The Gunners have finished runners-up to Manchester City and Liverpool in each of the last three campaigns, being unable to go all the way and get the job done.
Injuries have certainly prevented such a charge from occurring in 2024/25, but with new signings during the off-season, it could aid the manager in his quest.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta looks dejected after the match
It remains unclear how much money the hierarchy will hand the Spaniard during the window to make changes he needs, with an emphasis on strength in depth after the recent fitness struggles in North London.
With a busy transfer window expected at the Emirates, no time has been wasted, leading to moves already being made in the market for new additions to strengthen the side.
The latest on Arsenal’s hunt for new additions this summer
Even though the transfer window is yet to open, Arsenal have already made moves for new attackers, with Viktor Gyokeres the main player on their shortlist.
The Swede has gained huge attention in 2024/25 after scoring 54 goals this campaign, with Sporting CP demanding a fee in the region of £60m to part ways with their talisman this summer.
Sporting CP's Viktor Gyokeres
However, he’s not the only attacker on the Gunners’ radar this window, with Real Madrid’s Brazilian forward Rodrygo on their shortlist, according to Spanish outlet AS.
They claim that Arteta’s side has made an approach to sign the 24-year-old forward, who’s registered 23 combined goals and assists across all competitions this season.
It also states that the LaLiga giants would demand a fee in the region of €100m (£84m) to part ways with the youngster, with Chelsea also keeping a close eye on the situation.
Why Arsenal’s £84m target would be perfect alongside Sesko
Striker Benjamin Sesko is another attacker who’s been strongly linked with a switch to Arsenal this summer, looking to offer a needed focal point to the first-team squad.
RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko celebrates after the match
The Slovenian, who’s scored 21 times in all competitions this campaign, has already been subject to talks between the Gunners and current employers RB Leipzig, which could see a move develop in the coming days.
Like Rodrygo, he has an £84m valuation on his shoulders, but Arteta’s side could land him at a cheaper price if they enter negotiations with the Bundesliga outfit.
His goal tally from this campaign is evidence that he can provide the goods within the final third, potentially striking up a deadly partnership with the Brazilian in attacking areas.
The Real Madrid star has the quality with the ball at his feet to provide any fellow attacker the goods to improve their own respective tallies, which could catapult Arsenal to the top of the tree next time around.
rodrygo-real-madrid
Rodrygo, who’s been labelled “world-class” by analyst Ben Mattinson, has completed 2.3 successful dribbles per 90 this season, along with a 52% success rate - showcasing the threat he carries.
However, he often has the end product too, completing 1.2 crosses per 90 and creating 2.3 chances created, handing Sesko the platform to explode in North London.
Rodrygo's stats for Real Madrid in LaLiga (2024/25)
Statistics (per 90)
Games played
Goals & assists
Successful dribbles
Dribble success rate
Crosses completed
Chances created
Shots taken
Touches in opposition box
Stats via FotMob
He’s also registered 2.5 shots per 90, averaging 6.5 touches in the opposition box per 90 - offering a constant threat to the backline, which could see him partner the Slovenian and link up given his hold-up play.
Whilst both would set the hierarchy back a fair whack of money, their respective figures highlight what they could offer to the side, handing Arteta the depth he craves in the final third.
Should they transfer their skill sets over to England, the thought of the pair combining at the Emirates is truly frightening, making them a force to be reckoned with in the Premier League.
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Arsenal could be about to make a move to land a star who'd massively improve Mikel Arteta's side.