Arsenal have endured a relatively quiet last eight days since the public focus shifted from the 2024/25 season and onto the summer transfer window.
Sporting director Andrea Berta will have been holding meetings with Mikel Arteta and identifying targets as a result, but now the priority is undoubtedly on strengthening the squad by making new signings. football.london understand that includes a striker, wide forward, defender and back-up goalkeeper.
Numerous names have been linked due to how Berta conducts his business with multiple agents contacted and alternatives drawn up to the initial alternatives. Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko are the two concrete options up front.
Out wide, Nico Williams, Bryan Mbeumo and Jamie Gittens have been identified as potential signings, but the latter now looks set to join Chelsea which certainly shows Arsenal have some catching up to do. Talks with Borussia Dortmund have started and they are expected to demand £50million in order to sanction his exit.
The Blues have already made some big moves in the attacking third with Liam Delap set to join from Ipswich Town after his £30million release clause was triggered.
Premier League champions Liverpool have also been active with Jeremie Frimpong looking likely to be joined by Florian Wirtz at Anfield. Bayer Leverkusen rejected Liverpool's £109million proposal as they are holding out for £125million, but all parties are said to want a quick resolution.
Following a season of no silverware, Manchester City's rebuild is kicking into gear with Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki wanted. The latter is available to depart Lyon for £35million, while AC Milan are holding out for £67million (€80m) to sell the Dutchmen with talks on for both.
Bryan Mbeumo's situation is also developing with Brentford set to demand £60million despite the fact he will be available as a free agent next summer. Manchester United, who have already confirmed the arrival of Matheus Cunha, and Newcastle United are potential suitors while Arsenal have also been linked.
That is all it seems to be for the Gunners at the moment but that should change as early as this week. Strengthening in midfield was a priority and Martin Zubimendi looks set to do when he joins in a £51million deal from Real Sociedad.
The Spaniard had a medical last week and as long as all went to plan, he should be confirmed as the club's first summer addition very soon with the midfielder in Spain training and thus unable to be involved in an official unveiling.
That does not stop Arsenal from announcing his arrival though and once that is done, talks for Sesko could ramp up. Negotiations have already begun with RB Leipzig for the Slovenia international but there are concerns over whether they can afford his asking price, according to Sky Sports Germany.
An interest has remained in Gyokeres but Sesko looks to be the priority signing with Arteta and Berta aligned on that.
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Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus with the Arsenal Therapy Dog Win during the Arsenal Men's team group shoot at London Colney on September 18, 2023
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