Arsenal have been slow burners in this summer’s transfer window, but they seemed to be coming alive in recent weeks with a few deals in the pipeline.
The Gunners are still playing the long game to sign Viktor Gyokerres and finally sort out their long-awaited need for a striker, but there are other areas that could do with some attention.
Mikel Arteta still wants to bolster his options on the flanks. Arsenal are going to look at possible options to provide competition for Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka.
At the moment, Arsenal have their hands full with a few deals. Here are some of the transfer stories making the headlines as the Gunners prepare for another potential title bout.
Those looking to catch all the action from the Gunners throughout the season can get their Arsenal tickets from Seatsnet.com ahead of the new season.
Arsenal want Valencia defender Cristhian Mosquera
Arsenal are keen to sign Valencia centre-back Cristhian Mosquera this summer.
After missing out on Dean Huijsen, who opted to join Real Madrid, the Gunners have turned their attention to the 21-year-old Spanish defender.
Mosquera has impressed with his composure and consistency in La Liga and his next destination could be the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal have already seen an opening £12.8 million bid for Mosquera turned down by Valencia. But the North London club are not backing down.
They’re reportedly preparing a second offer worth £21.3m, including £2.5-4.2m in add-ons.
Sporting director Andrea Berta, who rated Mosquera highly during his spell at Atletico Madrid, is now spearheading Arsenal’s efforts to bring the player to the Emirates.
Mosquera has quickly developed into a dependable defender for Valencia.
He has only 90 senior appearances to his name, and most of them have come over the past two seasons, but his performances have been mature beyond his years.
He’s also hardly injured and has missed just three league matches over the last two campaigns.
Statistically, Mosquera had a fantastic 2023/24 season. He won 70% of his ground duels – the best ratio in La Liga among players who contested over 100.
He also averaged five recoveries, three clearances, and 1.5 successful tackles per game, numbers that show both his awareness and ability to win the ball back cleanly.
Mosquera is primarily a left-sided centre-back, so he’s a natural back-up for Gabriel Magalhaes, but he can also do a decent job on the right side of the backline.
He even covered at right-back towards the end of the season, and that versatility is one of his many attributes that has drawn Arteta’s attention.
Valencia are trying to keep hold of Mosquera by offering him an improved contract beyond his current deal, which runs until June 2026. But the club is also aware of the financial implications.
Mosquera has just one year left on his contract, so rather than risk losing him for free next summer, they’d rather cash in, especially if Arsenal go back in with an improved bid.
Gyokeres pushes for Arsenal move amid Sporting standoff
Viktor Gyokeres has made it clear that he will not return to Sporting CP food pre-season. The Swedish striker is reportedly growing frustrated with how the club is managing his future.
He wants to join Arsenal, but Sporting are proving to be tough negotiators.
Arsenal’s priority this summer has always been RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko. But they’re ready to finalise a move for Gyokeres once they get the green light.
The Gunners have already submitted a £47m bid with an additional £8.5m in potential bonuses. But Sporting are holding out for his £68m release clause.
Sporting president Frederico Varandas has reiterated the club’s position, stating that they will not accept any offers below their asking price.
He even compared Gyokeres’ value to Premier League forwards Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo. His comments haven’t gone down well with the player’s camp, who now feel let down.
According to reports, Gyokeres feels “betrayed” and “tired” of the transfer saga.
He believes there was a gentleman’s agreement when he joined Sporting last summer that if a fair offer arrived, he would be allowed to leave.
For Gyokeres, Arsenal is the move he wants, and he’s made that known behind closed doors.
Currently holidaying in Mykonos, the 27-year-old has reportedly informed Sporting he won’t be reporting for pre-season training on July 7.
His representatives are working to push the transfer through, convinced the club should honour what they see as a prior understanding.
Meanwhile, Gyokeres has also been linked with a move to Chelsea. The Blues haven’t made their move yet, having just signed Liam Delap from Ipswich Town.
But if they somehow pull off a smash-and-grab deal for Gyokeres, you can expect the demand for Chelsea tickets to skyrocket on Seatsnet.com, with fans eager to see what he brings to the table.
Al Nassr interested in Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli
In the outgoing section, Arsenal are facing a fight to keep Gabriel Martinelli this summer.
According to reports, Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr are exploring the possibility of signing the Arsenal winger this summer.
The Riyadh-based club has been active in the transfer market, keen to land a top-class left winger to bolster their attacking options.
Liverpool’s Luis Diaz has been Al-Nassr’s primary target since the window opened. Reports suggest the Saudi giants are prepared to offer more than £73m to sign the Colombian international.
However, it’s unclear whether Diaz would entertain a move to Saudi Arabia at this stage of his career, given his growing status at Anfield.
With Liverpool reluctant to sell, Al Nassr have turned their attention to Martinelli.
The 24-year-old has become a familiar face at the Emirates Stadium, having made 225 appearances in all competitions for Arsenal since joining from Ituano.
Martinelli was inconsistent last season, but he managed 10 goals and six assists in 51 appearances across all competitions. Despite the dip in form, Martinelli is still seen as a valuable long-term asset.
However, the Gunners could consider bids of around £50m for the winger, especially after reports linking the club with a marquee move for Real Madrid forward Rodrygo.
