Arsenal get personal green light to complete £45m transfer as Bayern Munich deal lined-up to replace Alphonso Davies
Arsenal will be looking to add a number of players to Mikel Arteta’s squad this summer instead of landing a marquee signing like they did last year.
The Gunners broke the British transfer record to bring Declan Rice to the club, with Kai Havertz, Jurrien Timber and David Raya also coming through the door. This year is set to be slightly different.
A number of areas require bolstering ahead of the 2024/25 season, with a new striker and midfielder prioritised. Sporting director Edu Gaspar faces a busy summer once again as they continue to chase the status as champions of England.
Benjamin Sesko is the number one target, it seems, in north London. Interest in strikers has been ongoing for months, with the likes of Ivan Toney and Alexander Isak identified as possible targets.
Here, football.london takes a look at the latest transfer rumours regarding Arsenal and offers a new perspective on them and what they could mean.
Sesko green light
As mentioned above, Sesko is on the Gunners’ list. According to The Mirror, the striker is favouring a move to the Emirates Stadium instead of Chelsea, Manchester United and clubs in Italy.
Elvis Basanovic, the player’s agent, has been spotted at Arsenal matches this season and football.london understands Arsenal are still pursuing a potential move for Sesko and are still hoping they can find room to negotiate down the player’s reported release clause of £45m.
football.london says: “I like Sesko as a Football Manager enthusiast. But after keeping a close eye on his progress with the Red Bull-model, I’m surprised they have pushed ahead with their interest.
“At Leipzig, he hasn’t been their first choice at all times, with Lois Openda regularly selected over him. However, his tall build and blatant eye for goal is what Arsenal need. It has felt inevitable that they would sign a striker, I’m just shocked it’s Sesko.
“However, it must be said, the move for a lesser-known striker instead of the likes of Victor Osimhen is smart. It doesn’t splash all their money up the wall and gives a young forward, 20, the chance to grow into the Premier League and become the striker Arteta has missed.”
Zinchenko reunion
It has been reported that Arsenal are lining-up a move for talented Feyenoord defender Quilindschy Hartman this summer. Yes, another left-back at the club. So what does that mean to Oleksandr Zinchenko?
Well, according to The Mirror, Vincent Kompany is keen to add the Ukraine international to Bayern Munich after replacing Thomas Tuchel at the Allianz Arena. The pair played together at Manchester City and after he lost his place throughout the season due to injuries and form elsewhere, his future is in doubt.
football.london says: “There’s no doubt over Zinchenko’s ability. In his first season at Arsenal, he played such a key part in them going from fifth to second, but last term was different.
“Injuries stopped him from forming a good run in the team, and the likes of Jakub Kiwior and Takehiro Tomiyasu proved to be better options. Perhaps the large sample of supporters wouldn’t be against him leaving either.
“Bayern would be a smart move for him and the club, but will they be able to recoup any of the £32m they paid for him? Eyes will be on whether Alphonso Davies leaves the German giants.”
