Arsenal are expected to be busy in the summer transfer window, with Mikel Arteta keen to add to his squad after finishing second for a third consecutive season in the Premier League
10:14, 03 Jun 2025
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 18: Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta before the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Newcastle United FC at Emirates Stadium on May 18, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Mikel Arteta is set for a busy summer(Image: undefined via Getty Images)
Arsenal's priority this summer appears to be signing a new striker, but that isn't the only area they're looking to bolster.
Mikel Arteta's team finished a comfortable second to Liverpool in the Premier League, and will likely need to make additions just to keep up with their title rivals next season. Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres are the two forwards most strongly linked, with discussions over Sesko's transfer in progress.
The RB Leipzig forward won't come cheap, but those at the club seem to believe he has the quality to lead the line both now and for years to come. A move for a new striker should leave the team better equipped in midfield, with Mikel Merino no longer required to fill in upfront and Kai Havertz potentially playing deeper in certain matches. A defensive midfielder is still a priority, though, with Martin Zubimendi expected to fill that role.
Mikel Arteta is bracing himself for the departures of Kieran Tierney and Jorginho, while Raheem Sterling and Neto are set to return to their parent clubs. The manager has indicated he'll have the board's support this summer and anticipation has been growing over new arrivals. Here, the Daily Star Sport looks at the latest Arsenal transfer news.
Barcelona in Partey talks
PARIS, FRANCE - MAY 07: Thomas Partey of Arsenal during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 Semi Final Second Leg match between Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal FC at Parc des Princes on May 07, 2025 in Paris, France. (Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)
Barcelona have opened talks for Thomas Partey(Image: undefined via Getty Images)
Barcelona are reportedly in negotiations for Thomas Partey, as per The Sun. The Ghana international's contract with Arsenal is due to expire this summer, potentially allowing him to move on a free transfer.
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Partey had been discussing a contract extension with Arsenal, but with no deal reached, the Catalan giants are believed to be considering a move.
The former Atletico Madrid player, who will turn 32 in June, was one of Mikel Arteta's first signings when he arrived at Arsenal in the summer of 2020. Arteta has publicly stated his wish to retain the player.
Joan Garcia blow
BARCELONA, SPAIN - APRIL 18: Joan Garcia of RCD Espanyol looks on during the LaLiga match between RCD Espanyol de Barcelona and Getafe CF at RCDE Stadium on April 18, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
Joan Garcia looks set to join Barcelona(Image: undefined via Getty Images)
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In other Barcelona news, Joan Garcia is set to make a switch from local rivals Espanyol to join Hansi Flick's side. Goalkeeper Garcia had previously been on Arsenal's radar, with Newcastle also showing interest.
However, Sport reports that the 24-year-old has agreed terms with Barcelona for a £21million transfer. The Catalan outlet suggests that Garcia will officially become Barcelona's new goalkeeper next week, following his return from a planned holiday.
Wojciech Szczesny and Marc-Andre ter-Stegen have alternated goalkeeping duties under Flick at the end of this season after the German was sidelined for seven months through injury. Both could stay at the club next season and compete with Garcia for the number one spot, although the newcomer is expected to target the No.1 spot immediately.
Brighton set Joao Pedro price
Joao Pedro
Joao Pedro has attracted interest
Brighton won't accept anything less than £70million for Joao Pedro, according to The Sun. The Brazilian striker has been linked with a move to Arsenal, although Sesko and Gyokeres appear to be the preferred options.
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The 23-year-old joined the Seagulls in a record-breaking deal in the summer of 2023. He has netted 30 goals in 70 appearances for the club, who reportedly feel no pressure to sell.
Two of his 10 league goals last season were scored against Arsenal. He secured a draw for Fabian Hurzeler's team against a 10-man Gunners side in August, and also equalised in the return match on the south coast in January.