Arsenal Shift Transfer Focus Ahead of Crucial Summer Window
Arsenal are recalibrating their transfer strategy as they prepare for a pivotal summer under Mikel Arteta. With the team likely to finish as Premier League runners-up for a third consecutive season, the need for meaningful reinforcements—particularly in attack—has become increasingly clear.
While the Gunners have remained defensively solid, conceding just two more goals than Liverpool, the gap up front is glaring. Arsenal have scored 15 fewer goals than the Merseyside club, a shortfall that has significantly impacted their title hopes.
Injuries have certainly played a part, but the inconsistent form of Gabriel Martinelli, Gabriel Jesus, and Kai Havertz has also raised questions. To address this, Arsenal are prioritizing new additions to the forward line.
One top target, Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak, now seems out of reach. The Magpies are reportedly demanding over £130 million—with some sources quoting a starting price of £150 million—making negotiations difficult. Moreover, Isak is expected to stay at St. James’ Park if Newcastle secure a Champions League spot, which looks likely with the club currently sitting fifth.
As a result, Arsenal have turned their attention to Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres. The Swedish forward has been in sensational form in Portugal, scoring 85 goals and providing 26 assists in just 92 appearances. While there are questions about how well his form will translate to the Premier League, Arsenal appear willing to take that risk.
Gyokeres has a €100 million release clause, but reports suggest a deal could be negotiated for significantly less—potentially between €60m and €70m—with speculation of a verbal agreement already in place. Talks with his representatives are said to be underway, and Gyokeres reportedly favors a move to the Emirates over a potential reunion with Ruben Amorim at Manchester United.
In addition to strengthening their striker options, Arsenal are also pursuing Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams. Sporting director Andrea Berta is believed to be in contact with the player’s camp. The Gunners attempted to sign the Spanish international last summer, but he chose to remain in Bilbao. Now, with Arsenal in a stronger position, they’re ready to activate his €58 million release clause—though they’ll face stiff competition from Bayern Munich and Barcelona.
Arsenal are also maintaining interest in Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi. Despite whispers of Real Madrid’s involvement, Arsenal are reportedly prepared to trigger his €60 million release clause to secure the deal.
Should the club land all three primary targets—Gyokeres (€60m), Williams (€58m), and Zubimendi (€60m)—they would be investing a total of €178 million in what could be a transformative window.
Meanwhile, Arsenal scouts are keeping tabs on Yeremay Hernandez, a 22-year-old winger currently playing for Deportivo La Coruña. The former Real Madrid youth prospect has impressed in Spain’s second division with 11 goals and 4 assists this season. Despite his league level, Deportivo are valuing their star talent at £30 million.
With multiple targets across the forward and midfield lines, it’s clear Arsenal are preparing to make bold moves in pursuit of silverware next season.