Arsenal appear to have locked in their striker preference as talks begin, but it's not all good news for Mikel Arteta as Real Madrid plot to hijack one big move
09:08, 09 Jun 2025
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 18: Mikel Arteta, Manager 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)
Mikel Arteta has a busy summer ahead(Image: undefined via Getty Images)
Arsenal face a pivotal summer in the transfer market as they again attempt to find success under Mikel Arteta.
The Gunners have finished second in the Premier League for three consecutive years, missing out on the top spot each time. Arteta is eager to bolster his squad in the upcoming months, with a new striker being a priority. Arsenal have been linked with numerous players, including Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres.
However, a striker isn't the only position Arsenal are looking to strengthen. Nico Williams remains on Arteta's radar, and Morgan Rogers, Real Madrid's Rodrygo and Leroy Sane are all reportedly on the shortlist, along with another defensive minded player, Martin Zubimendi.
Here, the Daily Star Sport looks at the latest Arsenal transfer news.
Sesko talks planned
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 are zeroing in on Benjamin Sesko(Image: undefined via Getty Images)
Arsenal are preparing for further discussions regarding the transfer of Benjamin Sesko, as the Gunners aim to secure a new forward.
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No agreement has been reached between the North London club and RB Leipzig yet, but another round of talks has already been scheduled, with optimism about reaching an agreement, according to Sky Sports Germany.
Leipzig are still waiting for an official offer from Arsenal, and have set a £60m price tag on the 22-year-old star.
Striker convinced
Viktor Gyokeres of Sporting looks on
Viktor Gyokeres' future has yet to be decided(Image: Pedro Loureiro/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
Arsenal are reportedly zeroing in on Benjamin Sesko, with a deal said to be progressing well and no current plans to move for Viktor Gyokores.
Reports suggest that Mikel Arteta has been persuasive, with Sesko apparently 'sold on Arteta's project' after choosing to stay in Germany last season despite Arsenal's interest.
The Slovenian international, who has 41 caps to his name, now seems ready to make the move.
Zubimendi worry
Meanwhile, Martin Zubimendi is said to have two reasons to turn down a move to Arsenal, with Real Madrid reportedly waiting in the wings.
Although an agreement is in place with Real Sociedad, Zubimendi has yet to undergo a medical and has hinted at a long summer ahead.
Spanish reports suggest that Zubimendi would prefer to stay in Spain, even if he leaves Real Sociedad.
MUNICH, GERMANY - JUNE 8: Martín Zubimendi of Spain celebrates after scoring the team's first goal during the UEFA Nations League 2025 final match between Portugal and Spain at Munich Football Arena on June 8, 2025 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Qian Jun/Sports Press Photo/Getty Images)
Real Madrid could hijack Arsenal's move for Martin Zubimendi(Image: undefined via Getty Images)
AS reports that Zubimendi is 'attracted' to the idea of playing for Real Madrid under Xabi Alonso, having previously played under him at Real Sociedad B.
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Real Madrid are said to be interested in the 26-year-old, with new boss Alonso making him a top target.
Zubimendi has already turned down Premier League champions Liverpool last summer and may now disappoint another English club.