Arsenal transfer news LIVE – ‘Done deal’, Viktor Gyokeres update, Benjamin Sesko twist

 

The latest Arsenal news and rumours this summer transfer window with updates on Benjamin Sesko and Viktor

Viktor Gyokeres continues to be linked with a summer transfer to Arsenal

Hello and welcome to football.london’s Arsenal transfer news live blog on Sunday, June 22.

 

The Gunners are yet to announce any summer signings but that looks set to change very soon with Martin Zubimendi in London over the last 24 hours to finalise his switch from Real Sociedad. Kepa Arrizabalaga is another Spaniard expected to join Mikel Arteta’s squad imminently.

 

In the striker position, a final decision between Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko still needs to be made. It currently looks as though the latter is more likely to join following the very public falling out between Gyokeres and Sporting CP.

 

Elsewhere, a new wide forward and defender are wanted by Arteta but priorities could shift if Thomas Partey departs as a free agent. A central midfield replacement would then likely arrive.

 

With all of that being said, stay with us as we bring you the latest Arsenal transfer news and rumours through regular updates!

 

Key Events

 

Martin Zubimendi to have Arsenal talks in London09:36

 

14:35Kieran Horn

 

Zubimendi shirt number ‘revealed

 

Another interesting Martin Zubimendi claim has been made ahead of his impending move to Arsenal.

 

The Spaniard is on the verge of being confirmed as the club’s first summer signing in a £55million deal from Real Sociedad. He was in London on Friday to resolve any final details with an official announcement set to follow.

 

It has now been claimed by journalist Charles Watts, via YouTube, that he will wear the No.36 shirt next season.

 



 

Martin Zubimendi celebrates after scoring for Spain (Photo by Halil Sagirkaya/Anadolu via Getty Images)

 

10

 

14:05Kieran Horn

 

Rodrygo to Arsenal transfer stumbling block

 

Arsenal could face a Rodrygo transfer issue that has also prevented them from signing other targets.

 

The Gunners want to bring in a wide forward this summer and the Real Madrid star is one of many options. Nico Williams was Mikel Arteta’s dream addition but his wage demands prevented a deal from happening.

 

Barcelona have therefore taken advantage and agreed personal terms to sign him. Now, Spanish outlet AS is claiming that Arsenal’s pursuit of Rodrygo may hit a stumbling block because of the Brazilian’s wage demands of £10.2m-a-year.

 



 

Rodrygo of Real Madrid has been linked with Arsenal

Arsenal sent Messi transfer message

Speaking on talkSPORT, Andy Goldstein has explained why Arsenal should consider signing Lionel Messi.

You know what, I think if he [Messi] plays up top for Arsenal, he wins them the Premier League. I genuinely do. If you’ve got Messi scoring goals, I think he wins them [the Premier League title].

 

Where’s their weakness, Arsenal? It’s probably the lack of a number nine. Kai Havertz isn’t the answer. I know he’s not [a No.9]. But he could still do that job. I think if Messi went to Arsenal, they’d win the Premier League.

 



 

Lionel Messi during Inter Miami’s clash against Port

Liverpool have been handed a huge boost over their Premier League rivals when it comes to potentially signing Marc Guehi.

 

Deals for Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong have already been confirmed while an agreement is in place for Milos Kerkez. As such, focus has turned onto a centre-back addition with space made for that now Bayer Leverkusen have agreed a deal for Jarell Quansah.

 

As per transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, the German club will pay £30million plus £5million add-ons. With his sale also counting as pure profit, Liverpool have the funds to sign Guehi even after already spending just under £200million.

 

Marc Guehi and Jarell Quansah of England look on during a training session at St

Guehi transfer feelings

Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi is said to have made a big decision amid transfer links to Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Newcastle United.

 

As evidenced above, the England international is wanted by many Premier League clubs but the latest update suggests he might stay at Selhurst Park for another season before then leaving.

 

According to the Guardian, he is prepared to see out the final year of his contract which would allow him to leave on a free in the summer of 2026.

 

Palace are therefore understandably keen to cash in over the coming months.

Marc Guehi of Crystal

Arsenal get final Williams transfer confirmation

 

Any remaining hope of Arsenal completing a transfer hijack for Nico Williams appears to have now vanished with Barcelona chief Deco confirming he wants to join from Athletic Club.

 

Speaking on La Vanguardia, via transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Deco discussed a number of topics with Williams as one of them.

 

Yes, Nico Williams wants to come… and we will try! Nico, same as other players, is showing a strong desire to come.

 

If the right conditions are met in his case, we’ll definitely try to complete the deal.

Arsenal transfer target Nico Williams has agreed to join Barcelona (Image: (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images))

 

 

Timber makes Arsenal transfer admission

Jurrien Timber has suggested that Arsenal will be making plenty of signings in the summer transfer window.

 

Injuries were a big problem for the Gunners during the 2024/25 season, with Timber suffering a few of those, and that is largely why he is expecting fresh faces to arrive.

 

Speaking to Dutch talk show Matchday as quoted by Sport Witness, he said: “It will definitely be a busy one for Arsenal. I think we’ll get a lot of players, because we had so many injuries last season. At one point we almost had no players left. So, they definitely want to get players for the depth.”

 

Jurrien Timber during an Arsenal

 

Partey on contract issue amid Arsenal talks

 

Thomas Partey may have just revealed why he and Arsenal are yet to agree on a new contract with a departure as a free agent now looking likely.

 

In an interview with Kafui Dey, Partey revealed how his move to Arsenal came about after Atletico Madrid refused to pay his agent a suitable commission fee.

 

 

My agent was fighting fighting [for a new contract], the same agent from the beginning. It got to a point when they banned him from coming to the office. I had a meeting with the sporting director [Andrea Berta] who is now at Arsenal and the coach.

 

 

They said ‘we want you to stay’ and then the president sent me a message saying ‘the money you are asking for, we will give you but your agent gets 3 per cent [not 10] and I’m like ‘no’.

 

 

Eventually I said to the president ‘you need to give 10 per cent to my agent, if not then I want to leave’. They [Arsenal] didn’t need to give me the same money but as long as he gets the [agent] 10 per cent, we are good to go.

 



 

Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey is out of contract this summer

More on Sesko

Even if a solution to that problem does arrive, Arsenal’s transfer pursuit of Benjamin Sesko faces some delay.

 

Talks have been ongoing for the last few weeks but no significant progress has been made and it may have just been revealed as to why.

 

According to The Times (subscription required), the expectation is that deals will be accelerated heading into July with it stated that no club wants to pay unnecessary wages.

 

While this does make sense, Arsenal need negotiations to go smoothly in order to have the Slovenia international for as much of pre-season as possible. However, they don’t appear too willing to pay his asking price which means discussions could drag on for a few more weeks.

 

 

Arsenal are waiting until July before advancing in a deal for Benjamin

Arsenal ‘frustrated’ at Sesko demands

 

Arsenal are growing frustrated at Benjamin Sesko’s wage demands, the Sun has claimed.

 

The RB Leipzig star appears to be Mikel Arteta and Andrea Berta’s favoured choice but there looks set to be some difficulty in getting a deal over the line.

 

The latest report claims that while the Gunners have no problem paying his £70million asking price, Sesko’s camp are looking for a personal terms package they are unwilling to pay.

 

 

Arsenal transfer target Benjamin Sesko

 

Gyokeres updates

 

Viktor Gyokeres appears fully focused on a summer transfer to Arsenal.

 

The Sporting CP striker has turned down moves elsewhere and is said to have told his close family that he will be moving to the Gunners.

 

Former Premier League boss Sean Dyche has also endorsed the move with a clear message, via talkSPORT, to Mikel Arteta.

 

The boy Gyokeres, I’ve got to be honest, I think he’s a real player. I saw him in the Championship. Then we played him in pre-season and I thought, ‘Strong, honest’. Not just the fact he was scoring goals by the way, there’s more to his game I think.

 

People have been asking about Arsenal to get a number nine or an out-and-out centre-forward. They say it as if it’s easy, as if there’s hundreds of them everywhere. It’s not that easy. Everyone wants a centre-forward.

 



 

Arsenal continue to be linked with a summer transfer swoop for Sporting star Viktor Gyokeres. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)

 

10

 

07:58Kieran Horn

 

Zubimendi ‘deal done’

 

Finally it looks as though Arsenal have signed Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad.

 

Though the transfer has not been announced, it can seemingly be considered official with it widely-reported he was in London over the past few days to meet with club officials and sign his contract.

 

Talk of a Real Madrid hijack has been prominent but Zubimendi has always given his priority to the Gunners and now he is on the verge of becoming their first summer arrival.

Arsenal are preparing to announce Martin Zubimendi

Hello and welcome to our Arsenal transfer live blog where all of the latest Gunners news and rumours will be covered.

 

Coming up throughout the day will be updates on Viktor Gyokeres, Benjamin Sesko, Martin Zubimendi and much more. There are also a number of exits that could be sanctioned from Emirates Stadium with one for Thomas Partey looking increasingly likely.

 

To stay up to date with everything you need to know, do not go anywhere!

 

Zubimendi closes in on Arsenal move

 

Martin Zubimendi has also been heavily linked with a move to Arsenal this summer. football.london understands that the Gunners are long admirers of the Real Sociedad midfielder, who has a release clause in his contract worth €60m (£51.4m).

 

Arsenal have been keeping tabs on Zubimendi since the summer of 2023, with Arteta said to be a big fan. It’s understood that the Gunners are under the assumption they’ll successfully secure his signature.

 

On Friday, The Athletic reported that Zubimendi was in London to meet officials from the club and wrap up the formalities of his transfer…

 

Martin Zubimendi is closing in on his

 

Watkins to Arsenal latest…

 

Ollie Watkins was heavily linked with a move to Arsenal in the January transfer window, but a deal failed to materialise. football.london understands that the Gunners submitted a £40m bid for the Aston Villa striker.

 

Unsurprisingly, the offer was swiftly rejected, with Unai Emery’s side demanding £60m. It’s understood that Watkins was keen on the idea of a move to north London and, had the two Premier League clubs agreed on a fee, he would’ve swapped Villa Park for the Emirates Stadium.

 

 

Ollie Watkins continues to be linked with a move to Arsenal (Image: Aston Villa

 

Arsenal eye Real Madrid star – and it’s not Rodrygo!

 

According to Spanish website DefensaCentral, Arsenal have been monitoring Eduardo Camavinga, and Mikel Arteta believes the midfielder would be the perfect fit for his team. The report claims that the Gunners think an offer close to €50m (£42.8m) would be enough to convince Real Madrid.

 

However, it’s said that Los Blancos have no plan to sell Camavinga, who they consider a key player. The France international sees his contract at the Santiago Bernabeu expire in June 2029.

 

Kylian Mbappe, Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga for Real Madrid

 

Real Madrid and Zubimendi truth ’emerges’

 

Arsenal looks set to finalise their first signing of the summer window in Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi.

 

After turning down interest from Premier League rivals Liverpool last summer, the Spain international will now complete the switch to England and join Mikel Arteta’s side.

 

Zubimendi’s move to Arsenal has reportedly been set in stone for some time, although that didn’t stop the rumour mill in Spain from linking the player with a move to Real Madrid, suggesting the La Liga giants were determined to hijack the deal.

 

However, the latest report from journalist Ben Jacobs claims Madrid never made any concrete offers for the player and were always behind Arsenal in the race.

 

He adds the hierarchy have been confident a deal for Zubimendi will be completed as far back as January.

Martin Zubimendi before a Real

 

Timber predicts busy transfer window

 

Arsenal’s Jurrien Timber has predicted a busy summer for the Gunners in terms of transfers after the squad had to navigate a tricky injury crisis last season.

 

The Dutch defender told the podcast Matchday:

 

“It will definitely be a busy one for Arsenal. I think we will get a lot of players, because we had so many injuries last season.

 

“At one point we almost had no players left. So for the depth of the players they definitely want to get players.”

 

Jurrien Timber during an Arsenal photo-shoot for the

 

Arsenal transfer plan laid bare

 

Arsenal are expected to splash the cash this summer, with Mikel Arteta determined to finally get his hands on the Premier League, writes Jake Stokes.

 

football.london understands that Arteta wants to get business done quickly this summer, with the hope that the north Londoners can move swiftly in the opening weeks of the window.

 

Andrea Berta has managed to offload a few players, but he’s yet to welcome any new faces to the Emirates Stadium.

 

Read the breakdown of Arsenal’s summer plans here.

 

Watkins ‘open’ to Arsenal move

 

Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins would be open to a move to Arsenal this summer, according to the latest rumours.

 

The Gunners are on the hunt for reinforcements in their forward line this window and have been linked with a host of attacking talent.

 

Villa’s Watkins has been tentatively linked and the England international would be open to making the switch, according to TBR Football.

 

Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins continues to be linked with a move to Arsenal this summer.

Zubimendi visits training ground

 

Midfielder Martin Zubimendi is set to finalise his move to Arsenal and is in London, according to reports.

 

The latest update from the BBC’s Sami Mokbel claims the Spain international has visited the training base in Hertfordshire with the formalities of the deal to come.

 

 

Martin Zubimendi could become an Arsenal player this summer after wowing for Real Sociedad

 

Arsenal ‘set sights’ on Rodrygo

 

After seemingly missing out on reported target Nico Williams, with the Spain international rumoured to favour a move to Barcelona, Arsenal have already shifted their attention elsewhere.

 

That’s according to Spanish outlet AS, who claim the Gunners are set on Rodrygo, although there is an acceptance it would not be a straightforward deal.

 

Rodrygo, although only a mid-range earner at Madrid, would be a top earner at Arsenal, should a deal come to fruition.

 

Rodrygo celebrates during a Real Madrid game (Image: Getty Images Europe)

 

Nathan Butler-Oyedej race

 

Striker Nathan Butler-Oyedej is set to become a free agent on June 30 following the expiration of his contract and the 22-year-old already has a handful of suitors.

 

According to Football Insider, Austrian side Sturm Graz have joined the race for his signature, while he also has interest from England and abroad.

 

Butler-Oyedeji featured heavily for the under-21s last season, while he also made his senior debut.

 

Nathan Butler-Oyedeji and Jack Henry-Francis will leave Arsenal this summer

 

Arsenal transfer target was forced to issue apology after Arteta fume

 

Arsenal have been linked with a move for Brentford midfielder Christian Norgaard as a possible replacement for Thomas Partey as contract discussions continue, writes Amie Wilson.

 

There is, however, some history with Norgaard and Arsenal. Back in April the midfielder was shown a yellow card for a tackle on Gabriel Martinelli.

 

The decision to not send Norgaard off left Mikel Arteta furious, with the Arsenal boss saying it was a ‘clear’ red card.

 

Brentford midfielder ‘among’ targets

 

After the signing of Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad, Arsenal could be in the market for further reinforcements this summer due to the uncertainty over the future of Thomas Partey.

 

According to a report from The Mirror, Brentford’s Christian Norgaard could attract interest from the Gunners this transfer window as the 31-year-old has two years remaining on his contract.

 

The article adds that Norgaard is among the midfield targets Arsenal could consider moving for, especially if they can sign him for a cut-price fee.

 

Arsenal have been linked with a transfer interest in Brentford

 

Arsenal given Paul Pogba transfer verdict

 

Former Chelsea star Florent Malouda believes the Gunners should be making a move to sign Paul Pogba this summer and claims he belongs in the Premier League.

 

I’ve seen the talk of Paul Pogba to Monaco and I don’t think it’s the right move for him. I think Chelsea need an experienced player and Pogba has won the World Cup, the Europa League and knows the Premier League so well.

 

I think he belongs in the Premier League. Honestly, I think he belongs in the Premier League. If he manages to get his fitness right that is the first step, people underrate him because he has been away, but he would bring leadership.

 

He is hoping to lead France at the World Cup and I think a team like Chelsea or Arsenal should try and sign him, he is a very gifted player. He has a great mindset, he has been resilient in his career and in his private life, he will want to get to the top and his experience would be so valuable.

 

All he does is overcome challenges and with Chelsea, I think he could adjust very well to their dressing room.

 

Malouda was speaking on behalf of bet365 and their launch of the free-to-play Club World Championship Tournament

 

Viktor Gyokeres’ Arsenal admission

 

TalkSPORT’s Alex Crook claims Viktor Gyokeres has told friends and family that he expects to join Arsenal this summer amid ongoing speculation regarding his future.

 

It’s widely expected that the Swedish striker will leave Sporting CP in the current transfer window, with the Gunners keen on bolstering their forward line.

 

New sporting director Andrea Berta is said to be a big fan of Gyokeres, so much so, that Crook believes the lure of Champions League football will see him make the switch to north London.

 

Speaking on talkSPORT breakfast, Crook said:

 

“I had a message 24 hours or so ago suggesting that Viktor Gyokeres has told friends and family he expects to join Arsenal. We know that Manchester United are interested in signing him as well, obviously there is that pre-existing relationship with Ruben Amorim.

 

But Arsenal can offer Champions League football, maybe can offer a tilt at the title next season. Sporting are going to play hardball, there’s been a fallout between Gyokeres and the club because his agent has suggested that they had a gentleman’s agreement he could leave for £60million, I think they’re looking for nearer £80m. Arsenal are juggling both him and Benjamin Sesko, they’ve opened talks with Leipzig as well but at the moment, I would say Gyokeres looks the more likely.”

 

 

Viktor Gyokeres has been linked with a move to

 

Arsenal and Mikel Arteta sent nine-word message after transfer confirmed

 

Parma have sent a heart-warming message to Arsenal after confirming the signing of Mikel Arteta’s ‘right-hand man’. The Serie A outfit announced on Thursday (June 19) that Carlos Cuesta, the Gunners’ assistant manager, has taken up the vacant managers position at the club—becoming the second-youngest coach in the league’s history at just 29-years-old.

 

It was only in April when reports claimed Cuesta, as well as other members of Arteta’s backroom staff, had signed new contracts valid until 2027. Now, less than two months later, a ‘vital’ cog in the machine has now departed.

 

The Spaniard has brought an end to five-years at Arsenal where he won two FA Community Shields. The first in 2020 after beating Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool, and the other by edging Manchester City in 2023.

 

AC Milan star Rafael Leao ‘appreciated’ by Arsenal

 

Calciomercato claims both Arsenal and Chelsea are among the clubs to admire AC Milan winger Rafael Leao who could leave the San Siro this summer.

 

The Portuguese international is attracting the attention of Bayern Munich and clubs in Saudi Arabia, though the Serie A club would ask for a fee in the region of £80million-£90m in order to sell.

 

Bayern are understood to have Arsenal target Nico Williams at the top of their transfer wishlist, which could leave the door open for the Gunners to sign Leao.

 

Viktor Gyokeres to Arsenal transfer latest – agent’s agreement, £60m fee, Mikel Arteta choice

 

Arsenal continue to be linked with a number of big name transfers as the Gunners close in on their first signing of the summer. Martin Zubimendi is on course to complete his move to north London from Real Sociedad with Andrea Berta set to turn his attention to attacking reinforcements in the weeks ahead.

 

Mikel Arteta’s side have been linked with a number of high profile strikers in recent months, with Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak the club’s dream target, while Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres have also been tipped for a move to the Emirates Stadium.

 

However, it’s the latter of that trio that new sporting director Berta is said to be a huge fan of. The Swedish striker is one of the most sought after forward’s in Europe this summer after a stellar campaign with Sporting CP.