The first transfer window of the summer is now closed, but that will have little impact on Arsenal ’s summer plans as they are not participating in the FIFA Club World Cup.
Instead, Andrea Berta will continue working on deals that may already be in the pipeline ahead of the second window opening on June 16. It’s undoubtedly a crucial summer for the Gunners as Mikel Arteta looks to bolster his squad and ensure they can maintain a title push alongside the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City next season.
There are several areas in the squad that could benefit from reinforcements this summer, but none more so than the forward line. Attacking additions have long been on the wishlist at the Emirates Stadium, and the second window will likely be the time the club finally gets deals over the line, although who they move for remains unclear at this stage.
As one transfer window closes and another is set to open, football.london has assessed Arsenal’s transfer plans and outlined what a dream window could look like for the north London club.
Striker addition
Top of the list, and rightfully so, is a striker. Arsenal have been linked with a number of players over the past 12 months, but widespread reports in recent weeks suggest RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko is their primary target.
A deal may be more complicated than initially hoped, with reports suggesting clubs in Saudi Arabia are circling. However, The Telegraph claim Sesko’s priority is to remain in Europe, which serves as a major boost for Arsenal as they look to get a deal over the line.
Reports in Germany suggest Leipzig are seeking a fee between £67.6 million (€80m) and £84.4 million (€100m) for Sesko this summer, but Arsenal will hope the Saudi interest doesn’t inflate the price. Other names, including Viktor Gyokeres and Ollie Watkins, have also been linked, but Sesko represents the better option given his age profile and high ceiling.
Further attacking reinforcements
Arsenal may not stop there, with continued links to wingers who could add even more firepower to Arteta’s frontline. What that might mean for the likes of Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard is unclear, but the speculation suggests a clear desire to add more goals to the team.
The ultimate dream signing for Arsenal - and one that could take them to a new level - is Real Madrid’s Rodrygo. There have been conflicting reports in Spain about the Brazilian’s future in recent months, so the feasibility of a move remains uncertain.
Some Spanish outlets claim Rodrygo is ready to leave in search of more regular minutes, while others say he is determined to fight for his place under new head coach Xabi Alonso. Regardless, if there’s even a chance he becomes available, Arsenal would benefit from being at the front of the queue.
Zubimendi signs
The only other obvious area in need of reinforcements is midfield. Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi has long been a target, and most of the reporting - in England, at least - points to a deal eventually getting done.
There has been some concern, with Spanish media suggesting the player is delaying a move to north London amid Real Madrid’s interest, but these remain just rumours for now. Still, Arsenal would be wise to finalise this one early in the second window to avoid any risk of a late hijack.
Other areas, including defence, could also be strengthened. Arsenal already appear close to sealing a deal for Chelsea ’s Kepa Arrizabalaga for £5 million. However, further additions to the backline shouldn’t be a priority unless there are unexpected outgoings that prompt a rethink.
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Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus with the Arsenal Therapy Dog Win during the Arsenal Men's team group shoot at London Colney on September 18, 2023
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