The pressure is on Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta to strengthen the Arsenal squad in key areas this summer after the club received plenty of criticism for failing to sign a new striker for the 2024/25 season.
Injuries to Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus have left the squad light in the final third, with the likes of Leandro Trossard and even Mikel Merino forced to play in the centre-forward role in the second half of the campaign.
A new striker is undoubtedly a priority for the Gunners, and that business will be conducted by new sporting director Andrea Berta, who joined from Atletico Madrid in March.
As always with such a big club, the Arsenal transfer rumour mill continues to be in full swing, with Arteta always keen to add to the talent he has already brought to the club.
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Chelsea reject Arsenal bid for wonderkid
Chelsea have reportedly rejected a €1.5 million offer from Arsenal for academy goalkeeper Freddy Bernal.
The youngster has been hugely impressive in the Blues’ youth academy recently which has catalysed interest from a number of clubs, including the Gunners.
That is according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, who posted on X: “Arsenal have offered Chelsea £1.25m for England U18 goalkeeper Freddy Bernal.
“Chelsea rejected the bid, clear on their position as they want to keep Bernal. Several other clubs remain interested.”
Gunners preparing RECORD Isak bid
Arsenal are prepared to SMASH their transfer record to sign Alexander Isak from Newcastle.
The Gunners are desperate to sign a centre-forward this summer and have identified two key targets – Isak and Viktor Gyokeres of Sporting CP.
New sporting director Andrea Berta has been working towards signing the latter since arriving at the club, but Fichajes reports that Arsenal are willing to spend €150 million to sign Isak.
Is Arteta a CONTROL FREAK?
Former Man Utd star Peter Schmeichel has called Mikel Arteta a “control freak”.
The Dane told ViaPlay before he 2-2 draw with Liverpool: “Whenever they [fans] get the opportunity today, watch him in the technical area. Arteta is a control freak, he wants his players to play the ball that he wants. He’s directing everything.
“You look across to Arne Slot who’s so calm. He’s instructed his players in training, instructed the players in the team talk. Arteta is still playing the game for the players and that would confuse the hell out of me as a football player that you had a coach that wants to direct me for everything I do. It would confuse me and make me a worse player.”
Arsenal need to act FAST
The Gunners need to act quickly
Zubimendi talks advanced
Arsenal’s negotiations to sign Martin Zubimendi are at an advanced stage, according to ESPN.
Despite increasing interest from Real Madrid, the Gunners are confident of striking a deal worth €60 million for the player.
It was previously reported that there are some senior figures at the club that already consider this to be a ‘done deal’.
MAJOR Real Madrid raid planned
Not only did Arsenal knock Real Madrid out of the Champions League, but they are looking to inflict further hurt on Los Blancos by poaching three of their players – albeit in expensive fashion.
Mikel Arteta will add major acquisitions to his squad for next season and has identified Arda Guler, Eduardo Camavinga and Rodrygo as targets.
According to Fichajes, the trio would cost around €240 million.
Arsenal look to get one over on Chelsea
Zubimendi being treated as a ‘done deal’
Arsenal are extremely confident that they will complete the signing of Martin Zubimendi.
The Real Sociedad midfielder is likely to leave the club this summer and has strongly been linked with the Gunners as well as Real Madrid. There were worries that the interest from Los Blancos may turn the player’s head, but David Ornstein reports that senior figures at the Emirates are actually treating this as a “done deal”.
More on Gyokeres
Partey offered extension
Thomas Partey has been linked with a move away from Arsenal this summer but has been offered the opportunity to extend his stay.
David Ornstein reports that the Ghana international has been offered a two-year deal to remain at the Emirates, amid interest from previous club Atletico Madrid.
Partey wants to stay in North London.
MAJOR club out of Osimhen race
Victor Osimhen will leave Napoli this summer in a deal worth an expected €75 million – but he won’t be moving to Man Utd.
The Nigeria striker is currently on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli and will leave the Italian giants on a permanent deal in the close-season, with Man Utd, Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Barcelona, PSG and Saudi Pro League Clubs interested.
It was originally believed that United had made Osimhen a priority signing for the summer, but David Ornstein reports that the player is not on the club’s agenda.
A good alternative to Williams?
Arsenal set to lose out on wonderkid
Arsenal are set to miss out on signing Sverre Nypan.
The Norwegian wonderkid is recognised as one of the most promising talents in Europe and is wanted by a number of clubs including the Gunners and Manchester City.
However, it is actually Aston Villa who have won the race for his signature and the player is expected to move to Birmingham this summer. (Times)
Arsenal, Chelsea, United and Liverpool want Dembele
Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool are all considering a bid for Ousmane Dembele this summer.
The Paris Saint-Germain winger is enjoying the most influential season of his career and has been a key factor in the club reaching the semi-final of the Champions League, while Ligue 1 has already been sewn up.
He has a current ETV of €67.6m, though PSG would want significantly more as a transfer fee. (Caught Offside)
