With the summer window edging closer, Arsenal transfer plans are beginning to become more clear. Mikel Arteta and Edu have been busy very improving the squad over the last few trading periods and that will certainly be their goal over the coming months.

RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko has been strongly linked to an Emirates Stadium switch with Chelsea and Manchester United also interested. The Gunners appear to be looking to strengthen in every position with talk of a new goalkeeper, left-back and midfielder being acquired.

Newcastle star Bruno Guimaraes has been one name mentioned with some clarity on his future provided recently by the man himself. Amadou Onana, Martin Zubimendi and Youssouf Fofana are alternatives to the Brazil international with it still obvious Arsenal need to add a body to their engine room.

With that in mind, football.london has taken a look at the latest Arsenal transfer rumours which includes a fresh perspective.

Guimaraes on Newcastle future

The future of Guimaraes appears to be rather clear-cut with Arsenal’s remaining transfer hopes diminishing.

“Look, my future, to be honest, is in God’s hands,” he told Brazilian media when asked about his future. “I have a contract with Newcastle, I’m very happy, as I said, I know how much they like me, I know everything I’ve been doing for the club. In short, I have a contract, I’m happy.

“I don’t know what can happen, we know everything about Financial Fair Play, but what I can say is that I feel happy. It’s obviously very nice to be associated with big clubs; it indicates that I’m performing well, but I’m not concerned about it, as I said, I’m happy at the club.

“I’m very happy, so let’s see what happens. I’m not in any hurry, I’m happy, and it’s up to God, let’s see what happens.”

Arteta transfer priority

Arsenal’s summer transfer priority this summer remains a central midfielder despite the talk of a centre-forward signing at the start of the window, football.london understands.

Sesko is of course still a firm target of the Gunners but ultimately the bigger problems that need solving lie elsewhere, especially with Thomas Partey still expected to depart.

Arsenal defender Gabriel has admitted he dreams of playing for Corinthians and would quit the Gunners in a heartbeat to join the Brazilian outfit.

The 26-year-old defender has established himself as a key member of Arsenal’s side since joining from Lille in 2020. This season he featured in 36 Premier League games as Mikel Arteta’s side finished runners-up to Manchester City for the second consecutive season.

But despite the Brazilian forming a formidable partnership with William Saliba at the Emirates Stadium and conceding the fewest goals in the Premier League last season, Gabriel has revealed he dreams of returning to Brazil and signing for Corinthians, who he supported as a kid.

“It’s something to think about. Sometimes I stop and think, ‘Do you dream of playing for Corinthians?’ I do. ‘When would you play for Corinthians?’ For me, I’d be at Corinthians tomorrow,” said Gabriel.

“I hope it doesn’t take too long because I want to feel the energy of those fans, who are incredible, as soon as possible.”

Gabriel has not been linked with a move away from North London and has three years remaining on his contract with the Gunners after penning a new deal in October 2022.

In February, Arteta was full of praise for Gabriel’s development since moving to the Emirates four years ago: “His role in the team has grown,” he said. “His personal life is also very different to the one he had before with his family and his language. He also changed a lot of things in his life and improved his mentality.

“He can decide what he wants to be and I think he made the right call to take the direction he took.”

Arsenal’s Summer Transfer Window: Key Moves for Success

As the dust settles on the 2023-2024 English Premier League season, Arsenal are gearing up for an intense summer transfer window. With high hopes for the upcoming season, the Gunners are aiming to bolster their squad to compete on multiple fronts. In a recent episode of the “A Tad Predictable Podcast” on EPL Index, Tadiwa Chanakira delved into the specific needs and potential targets for Arsenal.

Arsenal’s 2023-2024 Season Recap

Arsenal’s last season was a rollercoaster, filled with high expectations and some disappointments. The Gunners started strong, winning the FA Community Shield but faced challenges as the season progressed. “Arsenal were in five competitions and came second in the Premier League,” noted Tadiwa Chanakira. Despite a solid league performance, their early exits from the FA Cup and Carabao Cup were setbacks. Furthermore, their Champions League run ended in the quarterfinals against Bayern Munich, a team that has historically been their nemesis in Europe.

“Hopes for the upcoming season are high,” added Chanakira, emphasising the need for strategic reinforcements. With the Premier League title as a primary target, Arsenal must address key areas to enhance their squad depth and resilience.

Key Areas for Reinforcement

1. Defensive Midfielder

One of the most crucial areas highlighted was the need for a robust defensive midfielder. “Dean Rice should not be limited to a purely defensive role,” said Chanakira. Instead, Arsenal needs a player who can shield the defence while allowing Rice to contribute offensively. A name that stood out was Manuel Ugarte from PSG. “Ugarte could be the perfect fit, offering both defensive solidity and the ability to recycle possession effectively,” Chanakira suggested.

2. Left Back

The left-back position is another area of concern. While Oleksandr Zinchenko has been serviceable, doubts about his long-term suitability persist. Chanakira pointed out that “Arsenal must resolve the left-back situation, whether by reconciling with Kieran Tierney or signing a new player.” A potential target mentioned was Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna, who could provide the dynamic presence Arsenal needs on the left flank.

 

3. Central Defence

Depth in central defence is vital for a long campaign. With William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhães forming a strong partnership, the lack of quality backups is worrying. “Arsenal should consider signing a young, promising centre-back who can develop behind the starters,” Chanakira advised. This approach ensures continuity and readiness for injuries or suspensions.

4. Forward Line

Lastly, the forward line needs reinforcement, especially if Arsenal plan to contend seriously for titles. While Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz offer versatility, the addition of a traditional number nine could provide a new dimension to their attack. Benjamin Sesko was mentioned as a “younger, more affordable option” who could fit into Arsenal’s evolving tactical setup.

 

Conclusion

As Arsenal prepare for the 2024-2025 season, the summer transfer window will be pivotal. Addressing key positions with strategic signings can help Arsenal bridge the gap to Manchester City and mount a serious title challenge. “Focus on the Premier League, bin the domestic cups, and give a good go in the Champions League,” Chanakira emphasised. This focused approach, coupled with astute acquisitions, could see Arsenal return to their former glory.

Norway earned a superb 3-0 win against Kosovo yesterday, with Erling Haaland scoring a stunning hat-trick for his country.

Norway is not playing at Euro 2024, but they have some of the finest players in European football.

There is a good chance that they could have done well in the competition if they had qualified.

Yesterday’s win shows they are a good team, which is not a surprise considering the talents at their disposal.

However, after the victory, Arsenal midfielder and captain Martin Odegaard caused a controversy that is being widely reported in the Norwegian media.

As a matter of fact, it was he and Erling Haaland who both caused the controversy.

A report on Afton Bladet claims Erling Haaland refused to speak to the media after his hattrick performance for his country.

When Odegaard was also approached, he turned down requests for interviews, saying: “Now I’m not going to talk to you. I have been with you so much.”

This has caused a little bit of controversy in Norway, but it is not expected to be a big deal.

Just Arsenal Opinion

This is hardly a big deal, but it is understandable why the media in Norway is running with the story because two of their biggest stars turned down interview requests.

Declan Rice has revealed how his ‘best mates’ Jack Grealish and James Maddison reacted to being left out of England’s squad for Euro 2024.

Grealish and Maddison were two of the seven players to be dropped from England’s 33-man provisional squad ahead of the tournament, which starts next week.

Manchester United’s Harry Maguire, Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite, Burnley’s James Trafford and Liverpool duo Curtis Jones and Jarell Quansah both missed out in a place in the final 26-man squad.

Rice was ‘gutted’ to see two of his closest friends in the England team miss out but says Grealish and Maddison have both been ‘supportive’ and understanding.

Asked about the pair’s departure from the England camp, Rice said: ‘It’s been really tough. Madders and Jack are two of my best mates in the squad, I’ve probably spent most of my time with them since being here.

‘To see them go is not a nice feeling but they’ve both just said before leaving that they wish us all the best. They were pretty positive and upbeat.

‘Obviously they’re gutted not to be in the squad but we’re so close as a group so I don’t think anyone is feeling really bitter about being left out. Those two wished us all the best, as did the others who didn’t make it.

‘I’m obviously gutted but it’s just one of those things, managers have tough decisions to make. I’m gutted they’re gone but they’ve been really supportive of the team.’

Grealish was a key player for Southgate at the last two major tournaments but misses Euro 2024 after endured a frustrating season for Premier League champions Manchester City.

Maddison also failed to show his best form in the second-half of the season for Tottenham and says he understands his omission, while admitting he was ‘devastated’ by the news.

Having beaten Bosnia and Herzegovina 3-0 Monday, England face Iceland in their final Euro 2024 warm-up game on Friday before travelling to Germany.

Rice will likely be joined in midfield by either Manchester United starlet Kobbie Mainoo or Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton.

Asked about the duo, the Arsenal record signing said: ‘We saw in the last camp what Kobbie’s done at Man Utd all season, he fully deserves his place.

‘Adam played his first half of the season in the Championship, he’s been outstanding at Crystal Palace and he’s impressed a lot of the players in training.

‘He’s so composed and calm on the ball, he’s got a beautiful left-foot, very crisp passing, and he’s an all-round down to earth boy.

‘He’s still only 20 years old, but to be on the plane to go to his first European Championships, what a moment for him. He won’t take it for granted, he’ll be ready when called upon.

‘You saw the other night how composed he is, I think he doesn’t get phased by big things. The future is looking bright in midfield.’

England kick-start their Euros campaign on June 16 against Serbia, before facing fellow Group C rivals Denmark and Slovenia.

The Three Lions have not won a major trophy since 1966 but came close at the last two World Cups and the previous European Championships, where they reached the final before losing to Italy on penalties.

Arsenal’s summer transfer priority this summer remains a central midfielder despite the talk of a centre-forward signing at the start of the window, football.london understands. Arsenal are understood to like Benjamin Sesko however any potential deal remains some way off despite the Slovenian forward’s intention to decide his future ahead of the European Championships.

RB Leipzig have made a contract offer to the 21-year-old and his current deal’s inclusion of a release clause of £55.6million expires on June 30. The appreciation of Sesko comes from the impressive second half to the player’s season and his technical and finishing traits which have been on show in the Bundesliga.

However, the Gunners’ keenness to add a central midfielder to the squad this summer should not come as a surprise. Arsenal have had inconsistencies when it comes to the selection of the midfield three with injuries to Thomas Partey a persistent problem.

The Ghanaian missed the majority of the season just gone and despite an understanding he would prefer to stay at the north London side, should an acceptable offer arrive there remains a feeling that the Gunners would sell. Having extended Jorginho’s contract for another season, Arteta knows he has the quality depth in his midfield with or without Partey but adding another quality option to the side is the dream scenario.

In terms of names, however, there is no standout candidate such as there was with Declan Rice last summer. There are a number of unknown factors and restrictions facing the club too when it comes to deals.

Despite the club’s consistent compliance with Profit and Sustainability Regulations, the club are conscious of the cycles and will angle business accordingly. The club are expected to complete the permanent signing of David Raya from Brentford, football.london understands.

The likes of Bruno Guimaraes, despite a well-known interest from Arsenal, look to be financially out of reach due to the restrictions, at least for the moment. Should the club successfully sell a considerable number of players to bring in more financial benefits then there could be scope later down the line.

Arsenal do have plenty of players they could make serious fees on. Eddie Nketiah and Emile Smith Rowe are two players along with Aaron Ramsdale and Jakub Kiwior that have been linked with exits who could bring in considerable funds.

While others like Albert Sambi Lokonga, Nuno Tavares, Kieran Tierney and Partey could leave but are not expected to fetch big sums. It all however adds up and should an exodus occur, Edu will be looking to reinvest with the club in a good place to do so.

The bottom line is football.london understands the club are confident that the squad will be in a stronger place come the start of the season. The ambitions are clear and the two-point gap to Manchester City being closed is the main objective.