The summer transfer window promises to be extremely busy for Arsenal. Injuries have severely impacted the Gunners’ 2024/25 campaign and it’s clear that further quality in depth is needed going forward.
Ben White, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Martinelli have all had prolonged spells on the sidelines and the players who have played in their place simply have not been good enough. This has left Arsenal 13 points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool, with the north Londoners also no longer in the Carabao Cup or FA Cup.
Mikel Arteta’s side are still in the Champions League, though, and face a round of 16 tie against PSV next week. With the search for a new sporting director continuing, plans are underway for the 2025/26 season and targets have already been identified.
One area Arsenal are expected to strengthen is central midfield as both Thomas Partey and Jorginho see their deals expire this summer. It’s possible both midfielders depart Emirates Stadium and football.london understands progress has been made in the deal to sign Martin Zubimendi.
It’s believed that work is in place to help bring the Real Sociedad midfielder to the club in the summer. There is a €60million (£51million) release clause in the Spain international’s contract that has existed for some time but even then, the likes of Liverpool have failed to entice the player away from the club he has developed and grown at in San Sebastian. Zubimendi, if signed, would be a great addition to the Gunners squad and would most likely join Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard in Arsenal’s starting midfield.
Arsenal are also expected to strengthen their forward line in the summer transfer window and one player who continues to be linked is Nico Williams. The 22-year-old, who has six goals and seven assists in 32 appearances for Athletic Club this season, has been on Arsenal’s radar for a couple of years and would be an upgrade on Martinelli and Leandro Trossard. The Spaniard is said to have a €58million (£48million) release clause in his deal which, considering the market, is pretty decent value.
