The rumour mill surrounding Arsenal’s summer transfer business has gone into overdrive this week. VAVEL looks to bring all of the latest and most reliable news regarding the Gunners ahead of what is shaping up to be a busy window.
Who exactly has been linked with a move to and from North London in the past seven days?
Incomings
Benjamin Sesko has emerged as Arsenal’s priority target for a new centre-forward. Fabrizio Romano reported on Thursday afternoon that the club are ‘advancing in negotiations after initial concrete talks reported last week’.
The 22-year-old scored 21 goals for RB Leipzig in all competitions this season and is expected to leave the German outfit this summer.
Mikel Arteta has had a long-standing interest in the Slovenian forward dating back to May 2024, but the Gunners are yet to agree a fee with RB Leipzig for the transfer.
Sesko’s release clause is said to be at more than €80 million, but Arsenal will undoubtedly attempt to negotiate a more favourable fee to secure his services.
Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres is also on the shortlist, with Os Leões believing that the 27-year-old would choose Arsenal, as reported by John Cross (The Mirror).
However, it is understood that Arsenal are prioritising moving for Sesko in their search for a new centre-forward, and it is now down to agreeing on a deal as they look to win their first Premier League title since 2004.
Words by Aaron Jaffe
Arsenal are set to make their first signing of the summer, with the acquisition of Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea, as initially reported by ****David Ornstein** (The Athletic)**.
🚨 Arsenal to sign Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea. Deal in process of being finalised after 30yo Spanish goalkeeper agreed to join #AFC & fight for place. £5m release clause in #CFC contract will need activating. W/ @gunnerblog @JordanC1107 @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/4fFzqDyQHw
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) June 7, 2025
The 30-year-old spent last season on loan at Bournemouth, keeping eight clean sheets in 31 appearances.
Norberto Neto has already returned to the Cherries after his loan with the Gunners this season.
Arsenal will activate a £5 million clause in Kepa’s contract at Chelsea, where he has fallen out of favour with Robert Sanchez, Filip Jorgensen and Djordje Petrovic all competing for the number one spot.
Mikel Arteta’s pursuit of the former Athletic Bilbao goalkeeper comes after long-term target Joan García elected to join LaLiga champions Barcelona rather than move to England.
García agreed terms with Arsenal for a move in last summer’s transfer window, but has since jumped on an opportunity to join Barcelona. They will trigger a €25 million release clause to sign the 24-year-old, reports Fabrizio Romano.
Words by Aaron Jaffe
Konstantinos Karetsas – Attacking Midfielder
Konstantinos Karetsas of KRC Genk (Credit: BSR Agency/GettyImages).
(Credit: BSR Agency / Getty Images).
Arsenal may be in the hunt for a striker during the transfer window, but the Gunners are still pursuing targets in other positions. According to Gunnerblog (The Athletic), **Mikel Arteta**’s side are interested in Greek sensation Konstantinos Karetsas.
The 17-year-old is currently plying his trade in Belgium’s Jupiler Pro League for KRC Genk and has already made his debut for his country, scoring a brilliant curling effort against Scotland. Genk would reportedly demand a fee in the region of £30 million for Karetsas’ services.
Arsenal are interested in 17-yr-old prodigy Konstantinos Karetsas.
But with a price tag of €30-40m, and urgent needs in the 1st team, it's complicated.
Can #AFC strike the right balance between 'win now' players & development signings?@TheAthleticFChttps://t.co/yCKSEHLlCV
— gunnerblog (@gunnerblog) June 6, 2025
Arsenal would be signing a player from a club with a reputation for developing **Premier League**-level talent. Genk have had the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Thibaut Courtois, and their very own Leandro Trossard rise through the ranks in Belgium, potentially providing reassurance that Karetsas is, in fact, the real deal.
Karetsas provided five goal contributions for his club in a disappointing domestic campaign and could be the answer to the Gunners’ creative problems. The Greek midfielder ranks fourth for most passes into the final third out of all attacking midfielders and wingers under the age of 18.
Words by Harry Cooper-Smith
Rodrygo – Winger
According to Sky Sports, Rodrygo could make a surprise move to the Emirates Stadium this summer.
The 24-year-old is part of a star-studded cast of attackers at Real Madrid, but it means he has seldom been the centrepiece of the side. His compatriot Vinicius Junior has always jostled for the left flank, and the arrival of Kylian Mbappe in 2024 meant even less of a chance of playing on his ideal wing.
Rodrygo Goes of Real Madrid during the LaLiga match between Real Madrid and Athletic Club
(Credit: Mateo Villalba / Getty Images)
Now, reports are suggesting he is in dialogue with Xabi Alonso, the new manager of Los Blancos, about where his future lies in his plans. Despite having three more years on his deal, he might choose to take his talents somewhere else if he is not happy with those talks. For Arsenal, who are crying out for top-tier talent and depth across the attack, it would be too good of an opportunity to turn down.
Words by Emmanuel Adeyemi-Abere
Outgoings
Whilst Arsenal are still in negotiations with Thomas Partey and his entourage over the extension of the Ghanaian’s contract, Ryan Taylor (Daily Mirror) has reported that Barcelona are interested in the midfielder.
Partey has been central to Mikel Arteta’s starting lineup this season, playing 52 games across the campaign. Performances against the likes of Manchester City and Real Madrid have helped the former Atletico Madrid midfielder become an important cog in Arteta’s system. The situation regarding Partey’s contract remains open, but he is thought to be settled in North London and wants to stay with the Gunners.
If Partey were to depart N5, Arsenal would likely have to dip into the market to sign a replacement, despite the likely arrival of Martin Zubimendi. With a striker very much the priority, the Gunners would probably prefer the opportunity to focus their resources on securing a number nine instead of having to replace the existing core group of players that have served Arteta and Arsenal so well.
Words by Harry Cooper-Smith