Eventually finishing 10 points adrift of Liverpool last season and forced to settle for another silver medal finish among England’s elite, Arsenal also ended the 2024/25 campaign without a single piece of silverware to show for their troubles.
With some suggestions over the past few months that Mikel Arteta could find some mounting pressure on his shoulders, the Gunners face what is a critical summer behind the scenes in north London.
While defensive talisman Gabriel Magalhaes might have put pen to paper on a new deal earlier this month, it is no secret that Arsenal have a new number nine at the top of their summer wishlist.
Once again opting to pass at the opportunity to bring in a new striking star during the January transfer window, sections of the Emirates support have made their frustrations heard.
With Arteta knowing that a legitimate marksman could be the difference in claiming a first Premier League crown since 2004, the Gunners are heavily linked with some of Europe’s biggest striking stars.
Rodrygo – Real Madrid
Although Xabi Alonso might be getting a new era underway with Real Madrid at this summer’s Club World Cup, it appears that one of their attacking superstars won’t be hanging around for long.
With it suggested over the past month that Rodrygo is keen on securing a move away from the Spanish capital this summer, it has also been reported that Los Blancos are willing to let go of the Brazilian international.
While French skipper Kylian Mbappe might have enjoyed a record-breaking maiden campaign among Spain’s elite last season, Rodrygo has been a key part of Madrid’s squad over the past four years.
Gaining a reputation for his versatility and relentless work ethic, the former Santos starlet recorded 20 direct goal contributions across all competitions last season and has received plenty of heavyweight European interest.
While the likes of Manchester United might have been heavily linked with a move for the 24-year-old, it was reported over the weekend that Arsenal have already begun initial discussions over what could be a €100million move.
🚨🚨💣EXCL: Arsenal have made formal approach to Real Madrid for Rodrygo!
After initial green light from the player, Arsenal and #RMFC are in talks over transfer package in the region of €100M.#AFC want the deal to be done very soon, not a long saga — to avoid surprises with… pic.twitter.com/5WVI6HdRCy
— Fabrizio Romano (@FIabrizoRomano) June 21, 2025
Benjamin Sesko – RB Leipzig
Limping their way to a seventh-place finish last month and completely missing out on any kind of European adventure for next season, RB Leipzig have already accepted that their attacking talisman will be on the move this summer.
Recording 13 Bundesliga goals last season and notching a further five assists, Benjamin Sesko has only continued to impress since arriving from Austrian outfit Salzburg back in the summer of 2023.
Regarded as one of Europe’s hottest young striking starlets, the 22-year-old has plenty of admirers around north London and it was reported that Arsenal were weighing up a potential big-money move during the January transfer window.
With it suggested that Arteta is a huge fan of the 41-cap Slovenian international, Leipzig would reportedly accept a bid of anything north of £68million and have already begun to asses potential replacements.
While Sesko might have informed his representatives that he is not willing to force a move away from the Red Bull Arena this summer, he is keen on clinching a move to Arsenal and the opportunity to play Champions League football.
“I am totally convinced Sesko will play for Arsenal” 👀
Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg says an offer from Arsenal for RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko is likely to come in the next week 🔴 pic.twitter.com/DweGyMi0O3
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) June 8, 2025
Viktor Gyokeres – Sporting Lisbon
While Viktor Gyokeres might have only arrived in Lisbon two years ago after completing a permanent switch from Championship outfit Coventry, the Swedish marksman has quickly blossomed into one of Europe’s most iconic number nines.
Spearheading Sporting to a history-making 21st domestic crown last season, the Swedish international finds his stock at a red-hot high and is billed as one of Europe’s most clinical strikers.
However, now at the heart of what is becoming a messy public divorce with Sporting, Gyokeres has made his frustrations clear and is desperate to complete a permeant move away from Lisbon this summer.
Notching a staggering 97 goals in his 102 appearances across all competitions, it has also been widely suggested that the 26-cap international has his sights firmly set on securing a Premier League switch over the coming weeks.
Although former Sporting boss Ruben Amorim might be trying everything within his power to tempt Gyokeres into an Old Trafford reunion, it has been suggested that the one-time Brighton youngster has given his priority to a north London move.
🚨🇸🇪 Viktor Gyökeres’ priority is to join Arsenal this summer despite calls from Manchester United in the recent weeks.
Gyökeres always an option amid Šeško talks with no deal sealed so far, Arsenal keep assessing situation.
United remain keen but believe deal now unlikely. pic.twitter.com/iTdDbkEcCV
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 14, 2025
