Arsenal are set for one of their most imperative transfer windows in recent years, with sporting director Andrea Berta working to reinforce the squad whilst backing manager Mikel Arteta with sufficient squad upgrades.
Arsenal laying groundwork for key summer deals
Recently, two players in particular have dominated the headlines around N5.
Benjamin-Sesko-Arsenal Related
[He's a Sesko upgrade: Arsenal stepping up pursuit of £84m "powerhouse"](https://www.footballfancast.com/hes-a-sesko-upgrade-arsenal-stepping-up-pursuit-of-porto-star-samu/ "He's a Sesko upgrade: Arsenal stepping up pursuit of £84m "powerhouse"")
The incredible goalscorer would be a serious threat at Arsenal.
Given the club's obvious need for a new striker, Arsenal's talks for RB Leipzig sensation Benjamin Sesko are attracting due attention, with the Gunners looking to make it third-time-lucky and finally seal a deal for the Slovenian.
Sesko rejected a switch to the Emirates last summer, instead penning a contract extension with Leipzig and coming to a gentlemen's agreement that he could leave either this year or in 2026 (Fabrizio Romano).
Arsenal-Sesko (1)
Arsenal also reached out over a deal for Sesko in January, but were respectful of Leipzig not wanting to sell mid-season, not to mention the player's wishes to see out the Bundesliga campaign (Ben Jacobs).
Now, they could finally land their man if they come to an amicable agreement with Leipzig, with Standard Sport reporter Simon Collings sharing that the Bundesliga side want around £70 million to part company after fresh talks.
Beyond Sesko, there is also the ongoing saga revolving around Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi.
Fabrizio Romano shares Martin Zubimendi to Arsenal update
It is a very complex situation, with the BBC reporting that a medical had been scheduled for the "perfect" 26-year-old, which was later rebuffed by the player himself in an interview with Radio Nacional.
Arsenal-Martin-Zubimendi
Sociedad president Jokin Aperribay also poured cold water over how advanced this deal is, but members of the media are still adamant that Arsenal have signed Zubimendi and the agreement is sealed.
Reports in Spain are now also beginning to claim that Real Madrid could hijack Arsenal's move for Zubimendi, so the uncertainty remains, but trusted transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano has moved to provide a fairly comforting update.
Speaking on his YouTube channel this week, Romano said that a deal is agreed for Zubimendi to join Arsenal, and Arteta's side remain convinced that he's about to finalise his transfer to the Premier League.
"We have many questions, we have many stories, and I respect all the sources on this story, because obviously until the deals are official, you can try until the very end," said Romano.
"From Spain, that is what they guarantee Real Madrid are trying to do.
martin-zubimendi-real-sociedad-la-liga
"Until the deals are signed, clubs can try to enter and hijack until the very final moments. But my understanding on this story is that Martin Zubimendi has agreed on absolutely everything to become a new Arsenal player.
"There is an agreement with the club since a long time ago. I already said a few months ago the 'here we go', because from what I heard, Zubimendi accepted everything Arsenal offered. He already spoke to Mikel Arteta, he wanted to wait until the formal steps to respect Real Sociedad until the end of the season.
"The deal is agreed. They've already exchanged everything, in terms of documents. It's just about the medical, put pen to paper, take the pictures, and then Zubimendi will become an Arsenal player."
Sharing a cautionary word, the journalist doesn't entirely rule out Real, but Arsenal appear more than confident they'll get him over the line.
"If Real Madrid or any other clubs will be able to change this story while the documents are ready, in football like so many things... never say never," continued Romano.
"But Arsenal are convinced he will be their player this summer."