The summer transfer window is now open, allowing clubs across Europe to start reinforcing their teams for the upcoming challenge in the 2024/25 season. While many clubs will be mindful of Financial Fair Play and Profit and Sustainability Rules, significant spending is anticipated.
After finishing as runners-up to Manchester City in the last two Premier League seasons, Mikel Arteta aims to strengthen his Arsenal squad to improve their chances in the 2024/25 season. A striker is a top priority, still, the Gunners aim to improve their defense and midfield with the current transfer window to surpass competition from other English teams and compete better in both the domestic and European competitions next season.
ARSENAL DESPERATE TO SIGN A STRIKER THIS SUMMER
Mikel Arteta is planning for the new season and the summer transfer window offers the Gunner’s boss the chance to strengthen positions they lagged in the past season. The center forward position has proved to be a pain point for the North London Club in the past seasons. Manchester City recruit Gabriel Jesus did exceptionally well in the past seasons but Mikel Arteta has had to depend more on his wingers and Kai Havertz playing the false No.9 position in the last season with the Brazilian out of form.
Last summer, Arteta signed Kai Havertz for £65 million from local rivals Chelsea. Although Havertz wasn’t on his best form at Stamford Bridge, Arteta saw potential in the German forward and decided to invest in him. Havertz had a slow start at Arsenal but finished the season strongly, scoring nine goals and providing six assists in the final 14 Premier League games, averaging more than one goal involvement per game.
Arsenal are open to selling Gabriel Jesus this summer if they receive relevant offers. He is among several players who could be sold as the club looks to revamp their squad. Palmeiras in Brazil have been linked with a loan move for him ahead of the 2025 Club World Cup, but Arsenal are not interested in a loan deal. While neither party is actively pursuing a move, it remains a possibility. Saudi Arabia clubs are also monitoring the player’s situation.
Arsenal received a setback in their pursuit of RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko who recently extended his contract with the German club. The Gunners have been strongly linked with Sesko following his impressive season in Germany, where he scored 18 goals across all competitions and is considered a candidate for a high-value transfer. Reports in Germany suggest that despite signing a new contract extending his stay at the club until 2029, he will be allowed to leave for just £63 million next summer. The Slovenian forward is expected to move to another club next summer. Even though his new deal lacks a release clause, many clubs want his signature. Unlike the £55 million he was available for this year, Leipzig has used the contract extension to increase his price.
With the purchase of Benjamin Sesko slipping away, the Gunners have adjusted their plans and are reconsidering making an offer to English striker Ivan Toney. Arsenal insider Team News and Ticks had previously reported that the Gunners decided against signing Ivan Toney this summer following a meeting with the player to discuss terms. Arsenal’s desperation to secure a high-quality striker ahead of the 2024/25 season is clear, they plan on topping their competition next season to beat Manchester City to the Premier League and making a mark in European competitions.
Recent reports from Italy indicate that Arsenal has made a £72 million offer for Victor Osimhen. Arsenal, PSG, and Chelsea have shown strong interest in acquiring the services of the Nigerian Stricker from Napoli this summer. Since joining the Serie A club from Lille in September 2020, Osimhen has scored 76 goals across all competitions. Italian journalist Giovanni Scotto now claims that discussions have been held with Arsenal regarding a possible transfer this summer, while Chelsea’s prospects of securing the player appear slim. A separate report indicates Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has traveled to France to meet with PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi. If nothing is agreed upon in Europe, it’s almost certain that Osimhen will receive an offer from either Al Hilal or Al Ahli. Last summer he received an offer worth 40 million per season.
Arsenal remains interested in Bologna’s Joshua Zirkzee due to his impressive performances in Serie A. AC Milan, Manchester United, and Juventus are also monitoring his situation. However, securing a deal in the coming weeks is unlikely. The 23-year-old was recently called to the senior Netherlands squad for Euro 2024 after Brian Brobbey withdrew due to injury. As a result, Arsenal may need to wait to finalize a deal for Zirkzee.
Although Benjamin Sesko has extended his contract with RB Leipzig, Arsenal is still seeking a new prolific striker to lead their attack next season. Arteta is receiving continued support from the club, following promising improvements in his tenure at Arsenal. Arsenal has several other targets on their list, including Evan Ferguson, Viktor Gyokeres, and Nico Williams.
In addition to seeking a striker, Arsenal also prioritizes strengthening their midfield. The type of midfielder they pursue will depend on whether they view Declan Rice primarily as a No. 6 or No. 8. Although Mikel Arteta won’t confine Rice to one role. Martin Zubimendi remains a realistic option, though convincing him to leave Real Sociedad will be challenging.
Benfica midfielder Joao Neves, who has a release clause of £102 million is also an option for the Gunners. The playmaker is attracting attention from Premier League clubs. Arsenal, Manchester United, and Chelsea have all been linked with him, and now Liverpool are reportedly preparing a formal offer as Arne Slot plans major changes at Anfield.
ARTETA SEEKING TO STRENGTHEN HIS DEFENCE
Arsenal had the best defensive record in the Premier League last season as they only conceded 29 goals in 28 games. William Saliba and Gabriel established a formidable partnership, propelling Mikel Arteta’s team into the Premier League title race, which lasted until the last game of the season. Although they lost the title to Manchester City, their defensive prowess throughout the season made them one of Europe’s top defensive units, in line with Bayern Leverkusen and Real Madrid. Arsenal still seeks to bolster their defense by signing another highly-rated defender this summer. They are reportedly interested in Sporting’s center-back Goncalo Inacio, who has a £52 million release clause.
Arteta aims to strengthen his defense by providing additional support to Gabriel and Saliba at center-back. Scouts from the North London club have been monitoring the defender closely. Manchester United and Liverpool are amongst the pool of clubs interested in securing his signature this summer. Inacio made his senior debut for Sporting as a young player in October 2020. He emerged as one of the most talented young players in the Primeira Liga and garnered attention while playing for the Portugal national team under Roberto Martinez. His contract includes a release clause of £52 million valid until June 2027, and Sporting is prepared to hold out for an offer close to that figure.
The Gunners are also considering a move for a left back with Oleksandr Zinchenko and Kieran Tierney tagged ‘free to leave’ this summer. France Olympic-picked star – Bradley Locko is said to be monitored by the English club. The 22-year-old was named in the League 1 team of the season after an impressive season with Brest. He joined the club from Stade Reims last year and his contract expires in 2027.
Arsenal are interested in signing Feyenoord goalkeeper Justin Bijlow to replace Aaron Ramsdale who made it clear he doesn’t want to spend another season on the bench, after losing the number-one spot to David Raya. Liverpool are also interested in the goalkeeper and their interest is unrelated to his former manager Arne Slot, who is now the current coach. The Dutch international would more likely choose a reunion with his previous boss if Arsenal’s offer isn’t lucrative enough. Bijlow kept 54 clean sheets in 143 appearances for the Eredivisie club. He has also been advised not to accept a backup role if he joins either team this summer.
OFFERS AND EXIT RUMOURS
AC Milan has reportedly joined the race to sign Arsenal defender Jakub Kiwior, following earlier interest from Juventus. The Polish international has attracted attention from Serie A clubs. Arsenal are believed to be open to offloading several players, including Kiwior, to comply with Premier League Profit and Sustainability Rules and to generate funds for a title challenge.
Arsenal are reportedly open to selling Emile Smith Rowe for £30 million if they receive an offer at that price. The 23-year-old has had difficulty staying fit in recent seasons, playing under 350 minutes of Premier League action last season and seemingly dropping in Mikel Arteta’s lineup. This move is also part of Arsenal’s plan to offload several players to generate funds for their upcoming title challenge.
Reiss Nelson has informed Arsenal that he wants to explore potential suitors during this summer’s transfer window. The 24-year-old played only 255 minutes across 15 Premier League appearances under Mikel Arteta this season and is valued by the Gunners at around £20 million after rejecting offers for him in January. Top-flight teams interested in Nelson include Crystal Palace, Fulham, Nottingham Forest, and West Ham.
Reports show that Ghanaian midfielder –Thomas Partey is nearing a move to Saudi Arabia this summer. With only 12 months left on his contract, Arsenal are open to offers for him, and many expect his departure. His representatives are currently negotiating a deal to take him to the Middle East. Arsenal are reportedly willing to sell him for just £20-£25 million this summer.
SECURE AVAILABLE ARSENAL TICKETS TO THE NEW SEASON!
Secure your seats now and be part of the action! Grab available Arsenal Tickets before they are all gone! It’s vital to remember that owing to the extreme demand, tickets from official websites are already purchased. Secondary marketplaces are still your best bet for getting a piece of the action. Arsenal games for the pre-season include:
Arsenal vs. Manchester United (Sunday, 28th July, 01:00)
Liverpool vs. Arsenal (Thursday, 1st August 00:30)
Whether at the stadium or glued to your screen, these matches are bound to keep you on the edge of your seat.
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