Arsenal are already working on recruitsArsenal are already working on recruits
Arsenal are already working on recruits | Arsenal FC via Getty Images
All the latest news and transfer rumours as Arsenal look to take advantage of the early window.
Arsenal are now battling to get business done with the early 10-day transfer window open due to the FIFA Club World Cup later this month. The Gunners are expected to be very busy this summer, although most of their deals will likely take place in the usual window, which opens later in the month.
Mikel Arteta needs more strength and depth this summer, and it’s likely much of the recruitment efforts will be focused on procuring a new striker - a glaring need ahead of next season. Here we round up all the latest news and transfer rumours surrounding the Emirates Stadium.
Sesko approach incoming
Arsenal are being backed to finally lodge a formal bid for long term striker target Benjamin Sesko. Ben Jacobs told TalkSPORT: “I think it looks like they’re going to make a bid for Benjamin Sesko. Although Viktor Gyokeres is also being worked on simultaneously. That is normal because there’s so much competition for strikers.
“Nobody can necessarily go all-in on one name, but we’re seeing a domino effect, Liam Delap is going to Chelsea and now Arsenal need to make their move. So much legwork has been done on Benjamin Sesko. He has a variable release clause. At the moment it’s around €80m (£67m), but I think Arsenal would like to try to negotiate something a bit lower.” Sesko is expected to move this summer, but with so many clubs looking for top-level strikers, RB Leipzig will be hoping to maximise their profits.
Garcia blow
Garcia rejected a move to Arsenal last summer to stay with Espanyol, and he went on to be one of the best keepers in the Spanish top flight in the season just gone. Barcelona have moved quickly to take pole position, hoping to lure Garcia just down to the road to Camp Nou, and Arsenal will now left looking for a new number two.
Martinez responds
Aston Villa goalkeeper Emi Martinez has all-but ruled out a return to Arsenal amid talk that he could the keeper the Gunners move for. Martinez has not ruled out a transfer, but he has made it clear he wants regular first-team football wherever he goes, and he is not going to get that behind David Raya, with Arteta unlikely to sign a goalkeeper that displaces his current keeper.
As cited by the Daily Star, Martinez said in response to transfer rumours: “I don’t know, I come here to play with the national team and it’s the only thing that matters to me now. The market has just opened, there is still a long way to go.” Arsenal are much more likely to sign a younger goalkeeper who will compete with Raya but ultimately serve as the second choice for at least a season.
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