The latest Arsenal transfer stories: Partey exit, Eze emerges plus striker updates

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A busy summer is expected at Arsenal as Mikel Arteta tries to build a squad capable of finally landing big trophies. Here is the latest news surrounding the club this summer:

Thomas Partey — Exit Confirmed

Arsenal’s long-serving midfielder Thomas Partey has officially left the club upon the expiration of his contract. Despite solid performances in recent seasons, negotiations for a new deal stalled—reportedly due to Arsenal prioritising midfield refreshment with younger options like Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard. Partey is now a free agent and attracting interest from Juventus, AC Milan, and Galatasaray. His departure marks the end of an era and fans with Arsenal tickets are disappointed to see him go, and opens the door for Arteta to reconfigure the centre of midfield.

Viktor Gyökérès — Upfront Focused

Leading Arsenal’s search for a potent striker is Viktor Gyökérès, the prolific Swedish forward from Sporting CP. He’s currently the bookmakers’ favourite to join the Gunners, with odds of 2/5 to complete a reported £58 million move. Gyökérès has shredded defences in Portugal—including a Champions League hat-trick—and Sporting are believed to demand around £70 million. Still, hints of potential willingness to negotiate have kept Arsenal engaged.

What he offers: history of 39 goals in 33 games last season, strength in transition, and clinical finishing . However, club valuation disagreements may complicate things.

Benjamin Sesko — Talent vs. Wages

Another candidate on Arsenal’s list is RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko, whose stock has risen in recent seasons. While Arsenal remains interested, salary demands and Leipzig’s valuation—reported as £68–70 million—stall proceedings.

Profile: Sesko offers physical presence, aerial prowess, and a powerful shot—qualities Arsenal see as ideal in a long-term number nine . Yet frustrations with wage talks suggest Arsenal may look elsewhere if talks drag into preseason.

Ollie Watkins, Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitike — Alternative Striker Targets

With Gyökérès and Sesko facing hurdles, Arsenal are exploring alternatives:

Ollie Watkins: The Aston Villa striker reportedly attracted a £50 million bid in January, and Arsenal admirers continue to hope he resurfaces this summer.

Alexander Isak: Long a dream target, the Sweden international is valued at over £150 million by Newcastle, making a big-money move unlikely but still viable.

Hugo Ekitike: The 22‑year‑old French forward from Eintracht Frankfurt commands around €100 million; he offers pace and finishing but remains a high-cost risk.

These options reflect Arsenal’s desire for both immediate-firepower and long-term potential, depending on how the Gyökérès/Sesko deals evolve.

Eberechi Eze — Creative Reinforcement

Attention has also turned to midfield creativity. Eberechi Eze of Crystal Palace is under consideration with a £68 million valuation. Arsenal’s sporting director Andrea Berta has opened talks, although Palace remain firm on price.

Why Eze? He offers directness, dribbling flair, and goal contributions (eight each last season). As Saka’s backup or even replacement on the right, he fits Arteta’s desire for unpredictability and has Premier League experience on his side.

Martín Zubimendi & Christian Nørgaard — Midfield Reinforcements

With Partey and Jorginho gone, Arsenal need midfield reinforcements: and it appears they have already secured their replacements.

Martín Zubimendi: The Real Sociedad star has a £52 million release clause; Arsenal reportedly have a deal agreed with Zubimendi completed his medical in London. It’s a matter of time before this deal is announced.

Christian Nørgaard: Brentford’s captain is nearing a £10 million move to Arsenal after a deal was agreed between the two clubs.

Zubimendi brings control and passing range—attributes valued highly since Jorginho’s departure—while Nørgaard offers a more rugged, energetic option. Together, they show midfield evolution toward depth and variety.

Kepa Arrizabalaga — Goalkeeping Backup

Arsenal have activated a £5 million release clause to bring in Chelsea’s ex-keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, likely as backup to David Raya. Kepa’s strong Bournemouth loan last season offered glimpses of renewed confidence, but fans with Chelsea tickets won’t be sad to see the back of the Spaniard.

Why it matters: Raya’s status was never in doubt—but Kepa brings Premier League respectability and game-time assurance. Arsenal’s keeper depth now has genuine competition.

Rodrygo Santos — Wide Option Opposed by Real

Arsenal are also said to have made early contact with Rodrygo from Real Madrid—valued at around £77 million. The 24-year-old has recorded 14 goals and 10 assists, although he is not first choice under new boss Xabi Alonso.

A deal would bring world-class experience and versatility, yet Madrid’s valuation and lack of playing time could impede negotiations. Still, this shows Arsenal are exploring high-ceiling moves to elevate their winger options.

Emerging Targets — Rigg, Nico Williams, Inácio

Beyond top-tier signings, Arsenal are monitoring several promising talents:

• Chris Rigg (Sunderland): A 17-year‑old midfielder valued around £25 million, likened to Jude Bellingham.
• Nico Williams (Athletic Bilbao): With a £50 million release clause, the 21-year‑old winger offers pace and Bundesliga‑style impact. However, appears to be heading to Barcelona.
• Gonçalo Inácio (Sporting): A £60 million centre-back rumored to be on Arsenal’s wishlist.

These signings suggest long-term planning—balancing immediate needs with future sustainability in multiple positions.

Outlook

Arsenal’s summer window is unfolding as a delicate balance of ambition and pragmatism. With Thomas Partey’s exit, the midfield core is being redefined around Zubimendi and Nørgaard. The ongoing goalkeeper addition (Kepa) strengthens squad depth.

However, the striker position remains the defining puzzle. Gyökérès leads the race but awaits Sporting’s valuation. Sesko promises upside but has wage hurdles. Arsenal maintain interest in Isak, Watkins, Ekitike, and potentially Rodrygo—an indicator of flexibility depending on market developments.

Simultaneously, creative and defensive reinforcements such as Eze, Rigg, Williams, and Inácio show Arteta aiming to round out the squad’s spine and wings.

Looking Ahead

• Can Arsenal agree a striker deal before preseason? Without it, key transfers risk being delayed.
• Will midfield additions translate into better balance under Arteta?
• How quickly will defensive and creative depth contribute to consistency and injury resilience?

With Premier League runners-up finishes for three consecutive seasons, Arsenal’s next window carries both opportunity and urgency. A summer marked by smart recruitment might finally elevate them from contenders to challengers—and perhaps conquerors.

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