Arsenal plot huge move for £77m “superstar”

After three near misses at the Premier League title, it’s a surprise to no one to see Arsenal conducting business in the transfer market to make the jump to being champions.

The Gunners are currently enduring a 20-year drought without a league triumph, a period that is simply too long given the stature and size of the football club.

Mikel Arteta is the latest manager tasked with ending the drought, but the Spaniard may need to make early inroads throughout 2025/26, or he could find himself in danger of losing his job.

If he is to avoid such a situation from occuring and subsequently end the extended period without a title, he will need backing from the hierarchy to aid his quest.

No signings have yet been completed at the Emirates this summer, but numerous deals appear to be heading in the right direction if recent reports are to be believed.

The latest on Arsenal’s hunt for new additions

Arsenal appear to be edging closer to completing a deal to land Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi after Fabrizio Romano confirmed a deal has been agreed with the player himself already meeting Arteta.

However, there could be a delay in a move for RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko, with the club and player potentially unable to come to an agreement on wages, whilst a fee is also yet to be sorted for the Slovenian international.

Despite the moves elsewhere, work is still being done to land other first-team targets, with AC Milan star Rafael Leao still on their radar, according to Italian outlet CalcioMercato.

They claim that the Gunners are still huge admirers of the Portuguese international winger, who has impressed massively in 2024/25 after registering 12 goals and 11 assists across all competitions.

However, whilst the Serie A outfit are reluctant to sell the 26-year-old this summer, they may consider an offer in the region of €90m (£77m) with Chelsea also said to be interested.

Why Arsenal’s £77m target would be a better signing than Rodrygo

Real Madrid star Rodrygo has been another player who’s been firmly in Arsenal’s sights over recent months, especially after it was confirmed he could leave the Spanish giants this summer.

The Brazilian international, who registered 24 goal contributions this season, could be set to leave the Bernabeu this window to find a new adventure after starting just 22 league matches.

Given his talents, it’s no surprise that he’s set to be a sought-after talent this window, with numerous sides across the globe also touted with a move for his signature.

However, the 24-year-old won’t come cheap, with Xabi Alonso’s side demanding a fee in the region of £100m to part ways with the youngster throughout the off-season.

Such a fee could prove to be too much for Arteta’s side, with Leao potentially offering the Gunners a cheaper alternative in their hunt for Premier League glory.

Despite the lower transfer value, the Milan star has managed to outperform Rodrygo in numerous key areas, further highlighting why he’d be a better addition ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

Leao, who’s been labelled a “superstar” by writer Theo Mwangi, has registered more combined goals and assists than the Brazilian, along with a higher shot on target rate – demonstrating his impressive ability in front of goal.

He’s also completed more key passes and a higher tally of passes into the opposition box per 90, handing the likes of Bukayo Saka the chance to improve their own tallies in the final third.

His superb levels of performance don’t end there, completing more take-ons and carries into the opposition box per 90, highlighting the threat he poses with the ball at his feet.

Whilst £77m may appear to be a hefty investment, it’s one that could immediately solve a problem position off the left-hand side of Arteta’s attack in North London.

Rodrygo may be the supporters’ first choice this summer, but it’s evident that the Portuguese star is a better and cheaper alternative, having the tools to help lead the club towards title glory next campaign.