There is still a matter of months until the start of the summer transfer window, but Arsenal are already making moves.
Head coach Mikel Arteta expressed his frustration after failing to sign a single player in January, admitting he was "disappointed" at the club's lack of business. However, the Gunners appear to be working hard behind-the-scenes to ensure the same doesn't happen this summer.
A new No.9 is expected to be Arsenal's priority. Arteta's squad are light in that area and a number of high-profile strikers have been linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium. Alexander Isak, Benjamin Sesko and Hugo Ekitike are among those that could sign for the Gunners.
Elsewhere, Martin Zubimendi is a man that has been on the lips of Arsenal fans over these past couple of months. It emerged in January that a £51million move to north London was all-but agreed for the summer, but Real Madrid are desperate to hijack the transfer and bring him to Santiago Bernabau instead.
Stay tuned with the very latest from Arsenal below...
Alonso to replace Arteta?
Former Liverpool midfielder Didi Hamman believes there is a case to be made for Xabi Alonso to replace Mikel Arteta at Arsenal in the future.
Speaking to CardPlayer, Hamann said: "There is a decision coming for Xabi Alonso and it looks like he wants to stay at Bayer Leverkusen for another year, which I didn’t think was possible just a few months ago.
"He has said in the past that he would like to manage one of his former clubs and there is also a heavy link to Bayern Munich as well as Liverpool and Real Madrid, it’s all down to timing.
"I think he felt Jurgen Klopp’s footsteps were too big to fill at Liverpool last summer, Arne Slot is doing well now and Carlo Ancelotti can choose when he leaves Real Madrid.
"Can I see him at Arsenal? There might be a time when he wants to leave where it will become an option..."
Hato race
Arsenal have joined Liverpool in the race to sign 19-year-old defender Jorrel Hato from Ajax, according to TEAMtalk.
Hato has emerged as one of the most talented teenage defenders in Europe due to his performances at Ajax. He has played 42 times for the Eredivise side this season, scoring three times and adding six assists.
The Dutch left-back has three years left on his contract, so is not expected to be cheap if he is allowed to leave Ajax.
Gyokeres comparison
Former Arsenal midfielder Anders Limpar has compared Viktor Gyokeres to Ian Wright, as the Gunners continue to be linked with a move for the Sporting CP hotshot.
Speaking to SveaCasino.se, Limpar said: "I know Viktor and have spoken to him in the past, he comes from my local side called Brommapojkarna, outside Stockholm. I know both Viktor and his father.
"He's an unbelievably nice person and he just wants to improve. He wants to improve his goal scoring record and he lives for goals, he is a machine. He reminds me of Ian Wright, he loves to score, he wants to score, he works for the good of the team.
"If Arsenal sign Viktor Gyokeres, they are not just getting a good goalscorer but a player with a big heart who is young and ambitious.
"I would love to see him playing in the Premier League and if he picks Arsenal it would be something extra..."
Areso interest
Arsenal are plotting a move for Osasuna full-back Jesus Areso this summer, according to Fijaches.
The 25-year-old has impressed for the La Liga side in the 2024/25 season, catching the interest of teams, such as Arsenal, across Europe. Areso, known for his speed and energy, has cemented himself as one of the most reliable full-backs in Spanish football.
Transfer window dates
Premier League clubs have agreed on the 2025 summer transfer window dates after a meeting between shareholders' in central London on Thursday.
The window will open early, between Sunday, June 1 and Tuesday, June 10 due to an exceptional registration period relating to the FIFA Club World Cup. It will then shut for six days before reopening again on Monday, June 16 and close on Monday, September 1.
Nwaneri agreement
Arsenal are closing in on an agreement over a new contract for Ethan Nwaneri, as per Football Insider. Nwaneri's current deal expires in 2027 but the Gunners want to tie him down long-term.
An agreement between all parties is said to be expected soon, as Nwaneri prepares to commit his future to Arsenal. The teenager has scored eight times in 29 matches for the Gunners this season.
Keown on Arsenal striker hunt
Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown believes the club have already agreed a sensational deal for a new striker. The north London side have been screaming out for another No.9 over recent seasons.
Newcastle United forward Alexander Isak has been linked, while there is rumours circling around Viktor Gyokeres and Dusan Vlahovic. While Keown suggested that a move for Isak might be difficult, a big-money move for someone else looks to be a certainty.
Speaking to TNT Sports, Keown said: "I just feel with Isak, now they [Newcastle] won that [trophy], it's going to be even more difficult to get him away from there.
"The whole world is on it. It's about finding these players before everybody else does. There's a new director of football now. You've got to go after the players, a good free transfer.
"You can't just keep spending money on the obvious Declan Rice. But you can be certain this summer they will be buying a striker, without doubt."
Keown is so convinced that Arsenal are signing a striker in the coming months, that he thinks a deal has already been done. He added: "I would suggest that there is already a player bought and it’s already done from an Arsenal point of view. They won’t make that mistake again."
Man United battle
Arsenal and Manchester United are expected to battle for Greek starlets Babis Kostoulas and Christos Mouzakitis. The Olympiacos pair were part of the squad which won last season's UEFA Youth League, beating AC Milan in the final.
The Sun report that Milan, Aston Villa, Borussia Dortmund and Juventus are among the others tracking the talented duo, who have impressed in the Olympiacos first-team this season.
Sesko interest
Arsenal hold a genuine interest in signing RB Leizpig forward Benjamin Sesko ahead of the summer transfer window, according to Caught Offside.
The Slovenian has emerged as a target for several Premier League clubs due to his impressive form in Germany. Arsenal, Tottenham, Chelsea, Manchester United, Newcastle and Aston Villa are all keeping a close eye on the Bundesliga striker.
Sesko has a release clause in his Leipzig contract that allows him to be sold for at least £58.3million and can go up to £66.7m depending on his performances.
Isak alternative
Arsenal are eyeing up a summer move for Eintracht Frankfurt sensation Hugo Ekitike, according to The Sun. The Gunners have identified the 22-year-old Frenchman as an alternative to Alexander Isak.
Ekitike has caught the eye of several Premier League clubs - who have asked to keep informed of his availability. Frankfurt are expected to demand around £60million for the former Paris Saint-Germain attacker, who has scored 19 goals this season.
Zubimendi update
Martin Zubimendi's agent is continuing to listen to offers for the in-demand Real Sociedad midfielder, despite the expectation that he'll be moving to Arsenal.
Reports have suggested that Zubimendi, 26, has agreed personal terms with the Gunners, who are willing to pay his £51million release clause.
However, Real Madrid have emerged as a potential threat for his signature, despite Arsenal being in pole position since January.
El Partidazo de COPE claim that Zubimendi's agent won't rebuff approaches for the Spain international and claim Real president Florentino Perez is making his move.
Good morning
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