Arsenal transfer news: Viktor Gyokeres given huge contract offer as Nico Williams’ preference clear

Arsenal finished second in the Premier League in each of the last three seasons and are looking for the missing pieces of the puzzle as they aim to go one better next term

With a little under two months to go until the start of the new Premier League season, Arsenal and their rivals are getting things in order for a busy summer. Mikel Arteta’s side have already said goodbye to the likes of Jorginho and Kieran Tierney, and more ins and outs are expected between now and the big kick-off.

The main priority for the Gunners this summer is a new striker. Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres remain high on the list, with Sesko seemingly the more likely candidate, as Arteta aims to avoid a repeat of the attacking issues from the second half of the 2024-25 season.

Some of Arsenal’s rivals took full advantage of the early transfer window at the start of the month to get some business done. Chelsea and Manchester City has more pressing deadlines, given the Club World Cup’s start date, while other early June deals included Manchester United’s swoop for Matheus Cunha.

With Andrea Berta installed as sporting director, fans will be expecting another big-spending summer. Mikel Merino, David Raya and Riccardo Calafiori all joined last term, but the focus this time around is likely to lie at the top end of the pitch.

Now that the window has reopened, we may well be in line for a busy few days as the Premier League’s big hitters look to make their mark. Here are Mirror Football‘s latest lines from North London.

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Gyokeres’ huge offer

Juventus are ready to steal a march in the race for Viktor Gyokeres. The Sporting CP striker has been heavily linked with both Arsenal and Manchester United, but the Bianconeri don’t appear to be giving up in a hurry.

According to reports in Italy, Juve are ready to meet Gyokeres’ £11m-per-year wage demands. They are also reportedly ready to pay £60m for the Swede, though Sporting may hold out for more.

Juventus’ pursuit of the striker may yet hinge on the future of Dusan Vlahovic. The Italian side are ready to get the Serbia striker’s big wages off their books, and that could well make room for Gyokeres to take his place.

Xhaka faces decision

Former Arsenal captain Granit Xhaka needs to decide whether to stick or twist amid interest from AC Milan. The Swiss international is under contract with Bayer Leverkusen until 2028, but Gazzetta dello Sport indicates Milan are ready to offer him a Serie A opportunity.

The Rossoneri are after midfield reinforcements after losing Tijjani Reijnders in early June. The Dutch midfielder, one of Milan’s better performers last season, moved to Manchester City for an initial £46.6m.

Xhaka, now 32, played just shy of 300 matches during his seven years at Arsenal. He won the Bundesliga title in his first Leverkusen season and followed it up with a runner-up finish last term, but has seen manager Xabi Alonso depart for Real Madrid.

Williams learns what he’d make at Arsenal

Nico Williams would earn around £7.7million per season if he moves to Arsenal, according to Sport. The Gunners are locked in a battle with Barcelona over the Spain international, who for now is still at boyhood club Athletic Bilbao.

The same publication indicates that Williams would prefer a move to Barca if the club is committed to him. However, the Catalan club have also been linked with Liverpool’s Luis Diaz as they pursue options on the left flank.

Neither Barca nor Athletic is expected to be able to match Arsenal’s offer, but Williams may yet accept a lower wage if it means linking up with La Liga’s reigning champions. Bayern Munich could also move for Williams before the window shuts, as they look to stock up after losing Leroy Sane to Galatasaray.

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