Arsenal are desperate to sign a striker in this summer’s transfer window, with World Cup winner Julian Alvarez now emerging as a surprise target for Gunners boss Mikel Arteta
Next season is already gearing up to be a crucial one in Mikel Arteta’s reign at Arsenal. After going a fifth year without a trophy, Arteta’s sole focus is on finally ended that trophy drought.
To do so though, the Gunners will need to seriously boost their squad in this summer’s transfer window. The top priority is bringing in a new striker to add the goals that Arteta’s squad has been crying out for.
Sporting Lisbon star Viktor Gyokeres has been heavily linked with a move to the Emirates, though alternative targets have also been assessed. One of those is Hugo Ektike, who has enjoyed an impressive season at Eintracht Frankfurt.
But it now appears that the Gunners have been beaten to the 22-year-old by Premier League rivals Chelsea. Elsewhere, Arteta has also reiterated his desire to see Thomas Partey stay at the club.
Partey’s contract will expire this summer and his future at the Gunners remains uncertain. Here, Mirror Football rounds up all the latest Arsenal transfer news.
READ MORE: Mikel Arteta hints at Arsenal approach with response to Rodrygo transfer questionREAD MORE: Arsenal get four-word Viktor Gyokeres update after family transfer meeting
Gunners miss out on Ektike
Arsenal are set to be beaten to Hugo Ektike by Premier League rivals Chelsea. The Frenchman has enjoyed a stellar season with Eintracht Frankfurt, scoring 22 goals to help them qualify for the Champions League.
The 22-year-old’s record had attracted the attention of Arsenal, with Frankfurt ready to let him leave, should their valuation be met. According to RMC Sport, a number of clubs have made an approach, including the Gunners and Chelsea.
As it stands, the Blues are considered to be the frontrunners to land him, with negotiations already underway. He is said to be high on Enzo Maresca’s shortlist, though the former Paris Saint-Germain star is attempting to remain calm about his future.
Arteta delivers Partey update
Mikel Arteta has insisted he wants to keep Thomas Partey, with the midfielder’s contract expiring this summer. There is no sign yet that a new deal will be agreed, though Arteta is doing all he can to convince him to stay.
“There’s some question marks on a few of them, so we’ll have to wait and see. We still have another Premier League match to play on Sunday and after that, we have some time to sit down and finalise a few things that have to be done,” Arteta said.
“In regards to Thomas, I think consistency-wise it’s been his best season. I think the way he’s played and performed, his availability has been exceptional and he’s a really important player for us.”
Alvarez move launched
Arsenal have launched a sensational move for World Cup winner Julian Alvarez. The Gunners are desperate to land a new striker in this summer’s transfer window as they bid to end their trophy drought next season.
According to El Chiringuito, the Gunners have set their eyes on Alvarez. The Argentine has scored 29 goals and registered six assists in his debut season at Atletico Madrid, having joined the La Liga side from Manchester City last summer.
It is claimed that Arsenal are now ‘very interested’ in the 25-year-old. Atletico are prepared to allow the striker to leave the Wanda Metropolitano if they receive a bid higher than the £80m they paid City for him a year ago.
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