Gunners frustrated over Sesko’s wage demands, Rodrygo BLOW, Leao ‘linked with HUGE move’

Arsenal Football Club finds itself at the epicenter of one of the most consequential summer transfer windows in recent memory. As the 2025-26 season approaches, the North London giants are orchestrating a comprehensive overhaul of their squad, with manager Mikel Arteta and the club’s hierarchy working tirelessly to address key areas that could determine their championship aspirations.

The crown jewel of Arsenal’s summer business appears to be the imminent acquisition of Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad. The Spanish international midfielder has emerged as the club’s primary target, with reports suggesting that a deal worth approximately £55 million has been structured across multiple installments. Zubimendi’s arrival in London on Friday marked a pivotal moment in negotiations, despite a late intervention from Real Madrid attempting to hijack the deal.

The 25-year-old defensive midfielder represents everything Arsenal have been seeking in their quest to add steel and sophistication to their midfield. Football analyst Guillem Balague’s assessment paints a picture of a player perfectly suited to Arteta’s tactical philosophy. Zubimendi’s game is built on intelligent positioning, exceptional ball retention, and an innate understanding of when to advance and when to hold. His passing may appear deceptively simple, but it’s precisely this efficiency that makes him invaluable – he rarely loses possession and consistently finds the most effective forward pass.

What makes Zubimendi particularly appealing to Arsenal is his versatility in build-up play. He can drop between the center-backs to initiate attacks, create numerical advantages in midfield, and provide the platform for Arsenal’s creative players to flourish. His recent evolution has seen him become more adventurous with his forward runs, occasionally venturing into the penalty area when tactical situations permit. However, his primary value lies in his ability to read the game, apply intelligent pressure, and serve as what Balague describes as “a key cog in the machine.”

The connection between Zubimendi and Arsenal runs deeper than mere tactical fit. Mikel Arteta’s role in securing the transfer cannot be understated. The Arsenal manager’s interest in the player was reportedly “reinvigorated” following the successful acquisition of Mikel Merino from the same club last summer. This connection with Real Sociedad has proven beneficial, with Zubimendi set to become the ninth player to represent both clubs, joining an illustrious list that includes Mikel Arteta himself, Martin Odegaard, and most recently, Mikel Merino

The timing of this acquisition is particularly significant given the uncertainty surrounding Thomas Partey’s future. The Ghanaian midfielder’s contract expires at the end of June, and negotiations for a renewal have reportedly reached an impasse. Partey’s potential departure would create a significant void in Arsenal’s midfield, one that Zubimendi appears ideally positioned to fill. The Spanish international’s arrival would provide immediate quality while allowing Arsenal to maintain their tactical flexibility and pressing intensity

Arsenal’s search for a clinical striker continues to dominate headlines, with two primary targets emerging: Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig and Viktor Gyokeres of Sporting Lisbon. However, both pursuits have encountered significant obstacles that reflect the complex nature of modern football transfers.

The Benjamin Sesko situation has become increasingly frustrating for Arsenal officials. The 22-year-old Slovenian striker represents the type of young, dynamic forward that fits perfectly into Arteta’s long-term vision. Sesko’s physical presence, technical ability, and goal-scoring record at Leipzig make him an attractive proposition. However, negotiations have stalled over wage demands, with the player’s representatives seeking terms that Arsenal currently consider excessive for a player of his age and experience level.

This wage structure concern reflects Arsenal’s broader philosophy under Arteta and sporting director Edu. The club has worked diligently to establish a sustainable salary framework that rewards performance while maintaining financial discipline. Sesko’s demands potentially threaten this carefully constructed model, creating a standoff that could ultimately force Arsenal to explore alternative options.

Viktor Gyokeres presents a different but equally compelling proposition. The Swedish striker’s remarkable record of 97 goals in 102 appearances for Sporting Lisbon over the past two seasons speaks to his predatory instincts and consistent production. Recent reports suggest that Gyokeres has informed his family and friends that he expects to join Arsenal, indicating a strong personal preference for the move despite interest from Manchester United and their new manager Ruben Amorim, who previously worked with Gyokeres at Sporting.

The appeal of Arsenal for Gyokeres extends beyond mere preference. The club can offer Champions League football and the realistic possibility of challenging for the Premier League title – factors that could prove decisive in his decision-making process. Arsenal’s ability to provide both immediate competitiveness and long-term project appeal positions them favorably in the race for his signature.

Transfer insider Alex Crook’s assessment suggests that while Arsenal are juggling both Sesko and Gyokeres, the latter appears more likely to complete a move to the Emirates. This preference may reflect both the more positive personal relationship between player and club and potentially more manageable financial terms compared to the Sesko negotiations.

Arsenal’s attempts to strengthen their wide positions have encountered significant obstacles, most notably in their pursuit of Real Madrid’s Rodrygo. The Brazilian winger’s wage demands of approximately £10.2 million per year have proven prohibitive for Arsenal, representing another example of how salary expectations can derail even the lost attractive transfer scenarios.

This setback is particularly disappointing given Arsenal’s need to add pace and creativity to their wide positions. Rodrygo’s versatility, Champions League experience, and technical excellence would have provided exactly the type of upgrade Arteta seeks. However, the financial reality of competing with clubs operating under different economic constraints has forced Arsenal to reassess their approach.

The failure to secure Rodrygo comes alongside another disappointment in the wide areas, with long-term target Nico Williams appearing destined for Barcelona. These setbacks have prompted Arsenal to explore alternative options, including a potential move for AC Milan’s Rafael Leao, though this pursuit remains in its early stages.

Interestingly, Arsenal have also been linked with Chelsea’s Noni Madueke, according to reports from The Telegraph. The 23-year-old winger’s performances last season, including his role in Chelsea’s Conference League triumph, have attracted attention across the Premier League. While Chelsea have not actively offered Madueke for sale, the player is not considered untouchable in Enzo Maresca’s plans, potentially creating an opportunity for Arsenal to explore a cross-London transfer.

The Madueke situation represents an intriguing possibility given his Premier League experience and age profile. However, any potential deal would require careful navigation given the competitive dynamics between London clubs and the player’s significant remaining contract value.

Arsenal’s defensive reinforcement plans have suffered a significant blow with Marc Guehi’s reported decision to reject a potential move to the Emirates. The Crystal Palace and England defender has prioritized regular first-team football and is unconvinced that Arsenal can provide the assurances he seeks regarding playing time.

Guehi’s reluctance stems from the established partnership between Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba, which has become one of the Premier League’s most formidable defensive combinations. The 24-year-old defender’s concerns about bench time are understandable, particularly with the 2026 World Cup on the horizon and his desire to maintain his England place.

This rejection has reportedly put Liverpool on high alert, with the Merseyside club potentially offering Guehi the regular football he craves following their sale of Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen. The situation highlights the challenge facing Arsenal in attracting quality players for positions where they already possess established stars.

Beyond the high-profile Zubimendi acquisition, Arsenal have identified Brentford’s Christian Norgaard as a surprise target for midfield reinforcement. The Danish international has emerged as a potential solution to Arsenal’s need for additional depth and quality in central areas, particularly given the uncertainty surrounding Thomas Partey’s future.

Norgaard’s inclusion on Arsenal’s target list reflects their appreciation for his work rate, versatility, and Premier League experience. The 30-year-old has been instrumental in Brentford’s continued top-flight survival and offers the type of reliable, experienced option that could prove valuable during a congested fixture schedule.

While not as glamorous as some of Arsenal’s other targets, Norgaard represents smart business – a player who understands the Premier League’s demands and could provide valuable squad depth without requiring the significant investment or wage commitments associated with higher-profile signings

Arsenal’s commitment to developing young talent continues with the reported contract extension for Myles Lewis-Skelly. The 18-year-old full-back has been the subject of interest from Real Madrid, but Arsenal appear to have secured his long-term future with a lucrative new deal that positions him among the best-paid youngsters in world football.

The contract negotiations, handled by Lewis-Skelly’s mother and agent Marcia Lewis, demonstrate Arsenal’s willingness to invest in promising academy graduates. Mikel Arteta’s personal involvement in the discussions underscores the club’s belief in the defender’s potential and their determination to prevent another talented youngster from leaving for free.

This approach reflects Arsenal’s broader strategy of combining experienced signings with youth development, creating a sustainable model that can compete at the highest level while maintaining financial prudence

Arsenal’s summer business isn’t limited to incoming transfers, with several players potentially departing the Emirates. Oleksandr Zinchenko’s future remains uncertain, with AC Milan showing serious interest despite concerns over the Ukrainian’s wage demands. The versatile full-back’s situation mirrors many modern football transfers, where salary expectations can complicate otherwise straightforward moves.

Thomas Partey’s contract situation continues to dominate discussions, with the midfielder’s deal expiring at month’s end and negotiations apparently stalled. Barcelona’s reported interest adds another dimension to the situation, though Arsenal would prefer to retain the Ghanaian international if mutually acceptable terms can be agreed.

The potential departures highlight Arsenal’s need to balance squad management with financial sustainability, ensuring that players who don’t fit the long-term vision are moved on to create space for new acquisitions.

Arsenal’s summer transfer strategy reveals several key principles that define their approach under Arteta and Edu. The emphasis on young, technically gifted players who ca