Arsenal transfer news LIVE: Benjamin Sesko ‘contact’, Gunners targeting ‘next Mbappe’, Martinez return EXCLUSIVE
ARSENAL are looking ahead to a HUGE summer transfer window after another trophyless season.
The Gunners have been linked with a move for Leipzig 10 Xavi Simons, with the club reportedly looking to replace Martin Odegaard in the summer.
Meanwhile, Sporting director Andrea Berta has also reportedly been in contact with RB Leipzig over a potential deal for Benjamin Sesko.
Elsewhere, Arsenal are targeting Rodrygo, who could be set to leave Real Madrid this summer.
In other news, SunSport can exclusively reveal that Arsenal want to bring Emi Martinez back to the club — if they lose David Raya to Spain.
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Follow ALL of the latest news, rumours and transfer updates from the Emirates below...
Sesko 'contact'
RB Leipzig are reportedly in contact with Arsenal's sporting director Andrea Berta over a possible deal for Benjamin Sesko.
The Gunners are keen on adding firepower to their squad after another trophyless season.
Leipzig reportedly need to raise funds after missing out on Champions League football and Sesko is a likely avenue for the club to receive a big fee.
The Germans value Sesko at around £67million but would be willing to accept other payment structures.
Reports in Germany state that Mikel Arteta would prefer Sesko to Viktor Gyokeres, who has also been linked with a move to North London this summer.
Credit: Shutterstock Editorial Nic of time
Barcelona have confirmed they are not pursuing Arsenal target Nico Williams.
The Athletic Bilbao winger has been touted as a potential wing option for Mikel Arteta.
Barca president Joan Laporta said: "[Williams] was one of the candidates we were looking at."
"We have a good profile of this player, who is an excellent player, but I think at this moment they are evaluating other options."
Ademola Lookman interest
Atalanta star Ademola Lookman has admirers at Arsenal but there are some hesitations.
Lookman’s age has the Gunners concerned over whether he has hit his peak, and if that could hinder any future sell-on plans.
The centre-forward is valued at around £50million ahead of the summer transfer window.
The Nigeria international also appears to be happy again in Italy following the Serie A giants' qualification for next season's Champions League.
Arteta's chopping block
SunSport present five Arsenal stars at risk of leaving as manager Mikel Arteta prepares for a squad overhaul:
- Neto
- Raheem Sterling
- Kieran Tierney
- Oleksandr Zinchenko
- Jorginho
Major Arsenal transfer advice
Jermaine Pennant suggested Real Madrid ace Rodrygo and Athletic Bilbao star Nico Williams may be the "final spark" Arsenal need.
Pennant told : "[Gabriel] Martinelli’s got all the attributes. Great pace, he’s direct, he gets into great positions. But he lacks end product.
"It’s the opposite of [Bukayo] Saka. He gets into great areas but just doesn’t do the right thing at the last second.
“If Arsenal can land Rodrygo or Nico Williams, it could be the final spark the team needs."
Race for Nkunku
Chelsea star Christopher Nkunku is at the centre of a six-way transfer race this summer.
The talented Frenchman is pushing for an exit from Chelsea, two years after a £52million switch from RB Leipzig.
And SunSport can reveal that London rivals Arsenal are among those lining up a move for Nkunku.
The Gunners are desperate to boost their firepower and Mikel Arteta sees the 27-year-old as a good option to add to his squad.
But Liverpool, Paris St Germain, Manchester United, West Ham and Atletico Madrid are heavily in the race to secure Nkunku’s services.
Jorginho to leave early
Jorginho could be set for an early exit from his contract at Arsenal.
The Italian is in the final months of his deal at the Emirates, with it expiring in June.
However, the Gunners are set to release him early so he can join Brazilian side Flamengo.
This means that Jorginho would be able to play in the Club World Cup.
Arsenal transfer blow
Chelsea’s Todd Boehly has appeared to rule out Andrey Santos leaving this summer.
Arsenal have been eyeing up a move for the 21-year-old, who impressed on loan at Strasbourg this season.
Speaking at the Qatar Economic Forum, Boehly said: “We are laser-focused on the Club World Cup.
“We have some players that are joining us [like] Andrey Santos.
“We are really excited about him and what he can add to the squad.”
Gyokeres alternative
Benjamin Sesko remains on Arsenal’s summer wishlist – but Viktor Gyokeres is their No1 target.
That’s the claim from Fichajes, who add that Sesko is very much Plan B for Arsenal should they miss out on the Swede.
The 21-year-old Slovenian has been outstanding in the Bundesliga this term, with 21 goals and six assists.
Arteta on Rodrygo
Mikel Arteta was asked about links to Real Madrid's Rodrygo in his pre-match press conference this morning.
He said: "If you want to win major trophies, you have to be the best in the market, no? The teams that win always have the best players.
"I wouldn’t like to name a player, but there is pride because we have brought the club into a position that next season people are saying: ‘You have to win a major trophy.’
"And that means that everybody believes, and that we are an elite team in this country and in Europe. The biggest statement is that Arsenal is there."
Arteta's blunt Partey answer
Mikel Arteta gave a blunt answer when asked about Thomas Partey.
The midfielder has been linked with a move away from Arsenal this summer.
But the Spaniard could have something else in mind.
When asked if he wants to keep Partey, Arteta said: "Yeah, I said it many times."
Set free
There are 16 full England internationals set to become free agents this summer.
Arsenal are set to release two high-profile midfielders once their contracts expire in June.
SunSport have gone through the entire free agent list as clubs prepare for a busy window.
Nwaneri's future uncertain
Ethan Nwaneri's future at Arsenal remains uncertain despite the club offering the youngster a long-term deal.
The 18-year-old has contributed nine goals and two assists in 36 appearances during his breakthrough season.
It's reported the club is keen on keeping Nwaneri but the he is "some way from putting pen to paper".
With Andrea Berta looking for two forwards this transfer window, Nwaneri is worried he will be pushed down the pecking order.
Meanwhile, Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City are also reportedly interested in the teenager.
Jurrien Timber update
Mikel Arteta has given an update Jurrien Timber’s injury.
The Gunners boss said: “Jurrien had surgery on Tuesday morning on his ankle.
“He’s been feeling that discomfort for many, many weeks. He’s been navigating through the season with that issue and it needed to be resolved, so he’s going to be out for a while.”
Credit: Alamy Arsenal ‘need goal threat’
Mikel Arteta has admitted that Arsenal need more firepower in the attacking areas after an injury-hit season.
The Gunners struggled to keep pace with Liverpool after Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz were injured for notable periods.
This led to much frustration from fans when the club refused to sign a striker in the January window.
Arteta said: “What is clear with the amount of injuries we had in the front line is that we need a goal threat, we need the firepower out there, and understanding that the context can change tomorrow.
“We cannot rely just on the numbers we had before.
“We have to add goals, we have to add creativity, we have to add numbers and that will be in different positions.”
Gunner bow out
Arsenal have reportedly withdrawn from the race to sign Leory Sane.
The former Manchester City star was a target for the Gunners ahead of his exit from Bayern Munich.
However, Sane will not be heading to the Emirates as Sky Germany have claimed the club have pulled out of the race.
Cesc to disrupt Arsenal plans
Cesc Fabregas is reportedly eyeing up a move for Arsenal target Yeremay Hernandez.
The Deportivo La Coruna winger has caught the eye of Arsenal and Chelsea and has even been scouted by the Prem giants.
However, Fabregas has admitted that he is a big fan of the player.
He said: “We are following Yeremay, yes… he’s an excellent player.”
Trossard exit?
Arsenal fans reckon Leandro Trossard's wife has hinted he's on the way out of the Emirates.
The Belgium international has one year left on his contract with the north Londoners.
Trossard could find himself the odd man out if Arteta snaps up target Nico Williams from Athletic Bilbao.
And some of the Emirates faithful believe his other half has hinted that he'll be moving on to pastures new due to a number of "emotional" Instagram story updates.
Former Brighton ace Trossard has made 55 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring ten goals and providing nine assists.
Arsenal eyeing up Real Madrid winger
Arsenal are reportedly keen on signing Real Madrid winger Rodrygo as they look to bolster their attacking options.
It's claimed that the deal for the Brazilian is "difficult", but that the North Londoners are exploring the options to get it done.
It has also been reported that talks have BEGUN behind the scenes.
Rodrygo has scored six goals in 30 LaLiga appearances this term.
Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool in the race for former PSG star
Chelsea have reportedly joined Arsenal and Liverpool in the race for Eintracht Frankfurt star Hugo Ekitike.
The 22-year-old striker has discovered his scoring boots in Germany, netting 22 goals in all competitions for Frankfurt.
His 15 league goals led them to a third place finish and Champions League football.
But the Frenchman’s form has not gone unnoticed.
Arsenal and Liverpool are both interested in snapping him up this summer.
Yet claims it could be Chelsea who end up winning the race.
It’s reckoned Ekitike will fetch anywhere between £67million and £84m – having cost Frankfurt just £14m last year.
Swede on the menu
Viktor Gyokeres' uncle reckons his nephew will SNUB Manchester United and Arsenal this summer.
The Gyokeres family reportedly "made a decision" around the dinner table before celebrating Sporting Lisbon's successive league triumph.
Gyokeres’ uncle Chris dropped a major bombshell about his nephew’s future on the final day of Liga Portugal.
He believes that the sought-after striker will remain at Sporting Lisbon next season.
Wearing a Sporting scarf and jersey, he said: “I'm super happy, this is amazing.
"We were here last year, it's the same spirit, the same people, the same atmosphere. Absolutely fantastic! Beyond words!
"Yesterday at dinner we decided that he has to stay.
"Yes, we think so. We hope so, because look… We love it, it’s incredible, the country, the people and Sporting. And the Lions."
Ace to be sold
Arsenal are reportedly willing to sell Reiss Nelson this summer.
The winger has been out on loan at Fulham but has struggled for regular game time.
Repirts have now claimed that he could be on his way out of the Emirates this summer on a permanent deal.
He has previously been linked with moves to West Ham and Brighton.
Gunning for gold
Kai Havertz is leading the way in the race to be Arsenal's top marksman this season.
Arteta's chopping block
SunSport present five Arsenal stars at risk of leaving as manager Mikel Arteta prepares for a squad overhaul:
- Neto
- Raheem Sterling
- Kieran Tierney
- Oleksandr Zinchenko
- Jorginho
Arteta looking forward
Mikel Arteta has insisted he is looking forward to the 2025/26 campaign despite the disappointment of another 2nd placed finish.
I am excited [for next season] but now I need to rest a little bit, to calm down and to start to make certain decisions in the most efficient way with the right timing to make sure that I can rest,” he said.
I have quite a clear picture, but I need a few more things to then have real clarity and analysis and describe the season with the right words, because I know that that’s going to be very, very important.
You need to reset. In order to do that, there are many parts.
You need to rest, then you need to be very convinced and aligned with what you want to do to give yourself the next chance to be where we want to be, and then you need to start to feel that feeling in your tummy that you’re willing to come back here on day one, fully motivated and enthusiastic to go again with the group of players and staff that we have.
Mikel Arteta
