Arsenal are sure to be hard at work in the transfer market as the Gunners look to bridge the gap to Premier League champions Liverpool, and Mikel Arteta is desperate to land a striker
09:00, 01 Jun 2025
Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig looks on during the 1. Bundesliga match between RB Leipzig and VfB Stuttgart at Red Bull arena, Leipzig, Germany on May 17, 2025. (Photo by Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Arsenal have begun talks for Benjamin Sesko(Image: undefined via Getty Images)
Arsenal are gearing up for a pivotal transfer window as Andrea Berta gets to work in his first summer as the club's sporting director.
After finishing as Premier League runners-up for a third year running, the Gunners are set to bolster their squad once more. Mikel Arteta has suggested substantial spending in the hunt for a new forward, having spent much of the 2024/25 season without a proper striker.
"The budget is like when you have your wedding: you plan your wedding with your wife and you give her a budget and it's never less, it's always more," Arteta quipped.
"When you build a house, it's always more. Normally this happens. You prepare for different scenarios. Then unfortunate things happen. There are so many variables that can happen but there is a budget.
"There is always an idea of what we can do, what we can improve, what the priorities are going to be and then let's see if we can do it. It's always a 'we' I think it's always a decision that all of us have to come together."
As the weeks unfold, the Gunners' market manoeuvres and contract negotiations with key players will become clearer. Here, the Daily Star Sport looks at the latest Arsenal transfer news.
Sesko deal
Arsenal have started discussions with RB Leipzig for Benjamin Sesko as they aim to bolster Arteta's attacking options. The Gunners are in need of a prolific striker despite the Spaniard's repeated demands for one.
Benjamin Sesko
Benjamin Sesko will not come cheap(Image: Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
The Daily Mail reports that Berta has been in conversation with Leipzig's Marcel Schafer. It appears that the Bundesliga club are demanding an initial fee of £75million for the 22 year old who netted 13 goals last season.
Kai Havertz was Arsenal's leading scorer in the Premier League with just nine goals. Only Manchester United and Southampton had a top scorer who found the back of the net fewer times.
Lewis-Skelly concerns
Real Madrid are reportedly interested in Arsenal's young star Myles Lewis-Skelly, as the 18 year old's contract enters its final year. The youngster made his breakthrough into Arsenal's first team this season, nailing down the left-back position and earning his first England cap.
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 18: Myles Lewis-Skelly of Arsenal gestures 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)
Myles Lewis-Skelly is a target for Real Madrid(Image: undefined via Getty Images)
However, with his first professional contract signed in 2023 set to expire in 2026, Arsenal are under pressure to agree on a new deal, with talks already underway with the teenager.
The Guardian reports that the process has been far from smooth, and Real Madrid could seize the opportunity. The Spanish giants have a history of snapping up players whose contracts are about to expire, having secured Kylian Mbappe on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain last year and signing Trent Alexander-Arnold with just over a month left on his contract.
Arsenal to rival Man Utd for defender
Arsenal have reportedly overtaken Manchester United in the race to sign Italian centre-back Giovanni Leoni. The 18 year old Parma prodigy has caught the eye, with Berta said to be spearheading talks for the defender as Arsenal step up their chase.
PARMA, ITALY - APRIL 23: Giovanni Leoni of Parma reacts during the Serie A match between Parma and Juventus at Stadio Ennio Tardini on April 23, 2025 in Parma, Italy. (Photo by Image Photo Agency/Getty Images)
Arsenal and Man Utd are interested in Giovanni Leoni(Image: undefined via Getty Images)
The Gunners, who were keen on a young central defender after missing out on Dean Huijsen, could make a quick move to beat the Red Devils. Ruben Amorim's team are keeping tabs on Leoni, who is also being tracked by Juventus and Inter Milan, but Arsenal's decisive action could now take precedence.
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Arsenal are also believed to have made enquiries about Yarek Gasiorowski. The 20 year old Valencia defender is another potential recruit as the club plans for the future.