Arsenal continue to be heavily linked with a move for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, who rejected Liverpool last summer in favour of staying in Spain
The 2024-25 season is far from over at Arsenal but fans are finding it impossible not to look towards the summer transfer window. With Edu having departed, the Gunners are preparing welcome a new sporting director, likely to be Andrea Berta.
Following his 12-year stint with Atletico Madrid, transfer guru Berta will join forces with Mikel Arteta in an effort to put the finishing touches on what’ll hope proves to be a title-winning squad. For now, Arteta’s focus is on a strong end of the campaign by getting the best out of the players already at his disposal.
The Gunners are gearing up to face Real Madrid – more on them later – in the Champions League quarter-finals and are desperate to push Liverpool as far as possible in the Premier League title race. With the international break now over, Arsenal fans will still have to wait until Tuesday to return to action, hosting Fulham.
In the background, Berta will be plotting moves, with the striker position a priority after the Gunners opted against signing one in January. Newcastle talisman Alexander Isak is reportedly Arteta’s No.1 target, although not everyone associated to the club believes that he’s the perfect signing.
Here’s a round-up of the latest news from the Emirates.
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Real Madrid could hijack Zubimendi move
Arsenal remain the frontrunners to sign Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi – but Real Madrid could hijack the move. Zubimendi, 26, has been heavily linked with a move to the Emirates since January, with Mikel Arteta reportedly turning on the charm offensive and convincing him to leave his boyhood club.
But AS report that Madrid chiefs are still considering making a bid for Zubimendi, who has a release clause worth roughly £51million. Paris Saint-Germain star Vitinha is alternative but he’d be much more expensive. As things stand, Zubimendi looks on course to join Arsenal, but Arteta will have to beware that the Spain international is wanted elsewhere.
Arteta told to go for Gyokeres instead of Isak
Arsenal should sign Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres instead of Newcastle’s Alexander Isak. That’s according to former Arsenal midfielder Anders Limpar.
Ex-Sweden international Limpar knows all about his fellow countrymen and despite Isak being proven in the Premier League, he reckons that Gyokeres would be a better buy for Arsenal. “All things considered, Arsenal should sign Gyokeres,” Limpar told Svea Casino.
“Isak is settled and is building a legacy, Gyokeres is at Sporting and there are probably seven or eight Premier League teams who are a better side. Isak should stay at Newcastle and make a tremendous name for himself and set scoring records while winning more trophies.”
Should Arsenal sign Viktor Gyokeres or Alexander Isak? Give your pick in the comments section.
Carsley hails ‘unbelievable’ Nwaneri
England under-21 boss Lee Carsley was full of praise of Ethan Nwaneri after shining in Monday’s 3-1 win against Portugal. The Arsenal starlet, who celebrated his 18th birthday on Friday, scored a sublime goal at the Hawthorns, cutting inside from the right flank and producing an unstoppable strike with his left foot.
“What we have to keep remembering, he’s 18… unbelievable,” Carsley said. “But God, what an impression he’s made. It’s important that we look after him and make sure that, going to the tournament in the summer, is that the right thing. We’ll obviously we’ll work with Arsenal and make sure that we’re on the same page.”
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