With pre-season just around the corner and a tour of Asia kicking off on July 19, Arsenal are going full throttle in the transfer market—and the momentum is building fast.
The Gunners are in the final stages of sealing a deal for Sporting Lisbon’s star striker Viktor Gyokeres, and the move could cost up to £70 million.
Arsenal Zero In on Gyokeres After Sesko Deal Falls Through
After struggling to make progress with RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, who had been Arsenal’s top striker target earlier in the summer, Mikel Arteta and his team have switched gears.
All eyes are now on 27-year-old Gyokeres, who’s already agreed personal terms on a five-year contract with the Gunners.
Talks continued into Sunday night to hammer out the structure of add-ons and bonuses, which could take the total package near the £70m mark.
Sporting had initially demanded £60m, which Gyokeres claims was part of a verbal agreement to let him leave—but the club backtracked, sparking some frustration.
Drama Behind the Scenes at Sporting as Gyokeres Eyes Arsenal
Things got tense in Lisbon when Gyokeres reportedly threatened to go on strike to force a move, unhappy with Sporting’s shifting stance.
Club president Frederico Varandas responded firmly, denying any official offers had been received and insisting he wouldn’t be bullied into a deal.
Despite interest from other clubs—including Juventus and mega-money offers from Saudi clubs Al-Hilal and Al-Qadsiah—Gyokeres made it clear he only wants Arsenal.
An Incredible Goal Record That Turned Heads Across Europe
The Swedish striker has been in red-hot form over the last two seasons in Portugal, racking up a stunning 97 goals in 102 appearances.
It’s this lethal finishing and physical presence up front that has made him such a hot commodity this summer.
Though he had an underwhelming start in England with Brighton, where he scored just once in eight games, his form exploded after moving to Coventry, notching 43 goals in two and a half seasons.
Arteta Prioritises New Striker After Injury Troubles Last Season
Last season, Arsenal were left short up front, with injuries to Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus forcing Arteta to rely on makeshift options like midfielder Mikel Merino.
That experience made signing a proper No. 9 a key focus this window—and it looks like they’re close to landing one of Europe’s most in-demand forwards.
Zubimendi Deal Completed as Midfield Gets a Spanish Boost
While the Gyokeres deal nears completion, Arsenal have already confirmed the signing of Spanish midfielder Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad for £60 million.
The 25-year-old had long been on the radar of elite clubs like Real Madrid and Manchester City, but Arsenal moved quickly to snap him up.
Zubimendi is expected to play a crucial role in boosting the depth and control in Arsenal’s midfield heading into a critical season.
Gunners Also Eye Madueke as Chelsea Make a Surprise Enquiry
In another developing story, Arsenal are preparing a formal offer for Chelsea winger Noni Madueke.
The England international’s camp has already agreed personal terms with the Gunners, but Chelsea want more than £50 million to let him go.
Interestingly, Chelsea have made a tentative enquiry about Arsenal’s teenage talent Ethan Nwaneri, who has yet to sign a new contract.
Arsenal remain hopeful they can reach an agreement to keep the highly rated 18-year-old.
Arsenal Keeping Tabs on Multiple Targets to Bolster Squad
The Gunners aren’t stopping at Gyokeres and Madueke.
They’re also considering a renewed offer for Valencia centre-back Cristhian Mosquera, and they have eyes on Crystal Palace playmaker Eberechi Eze, who has a £68 million release clause.
There’s also reported interest in Real Madrid’s Rodrygo, though a move for the Brazilian would likely come with a hefty price tag.
Sporting Director Andrea Berta Gets Busy in First Summer Window
New sporting director Andrea Berta, who stepped in to replace Edu, has hit the ground running.
He’s already brought in Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga and helped secure Zubimendi.
The plan, it seems, is to add both quality and depth as Arsenal aim to make the leap from title contenders to champions.
Arteta Promises a Big Summer to Take Arsenal to the Next Level
Speaking at the end of last season, Mikel Arteta made his ambitions crystal clear: Arsenal were preparing for a major summer rebuild.
“Now we want to increase the depth of the squad,” he said.
“But as well we want to increase the quality and the skills that we need to go to the next step.
It’s going to be a big one and we’re very excited about it.”
If these deals come off, it might just be the biggest summer yet.