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Arsenal are widely believed to have all but signed Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi, amid credible reports that they’ve scheduled a medical for the Spain international, but the move appears to be a bit more complex.

Arsenal reportedly set to sign Martin Zubimendi after months of talks

The Mail first shared news of Arsenal’s talks for Zubimendi all the way back in January, following efforts from ex-directors Edu Gaspar and Jason Ayto to strike a pre-summer deal.

"True" – Fabrizio Romano backs reports as Arsenal target £126m striker

The north Londoners are in fact interested.

By
Emilio Galantini

May 29, 2025

Negotiations have been ongoing ever since, and trusted transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano actually gave his famous ‘here we go’ to the deal way back on May 10.

Now, the BBC and other reliable media outlets share that Zubimendi is set for an imminent medical at Arsenal – strongly suggesting that the player will become Andrea Berta’s first signing as sporting director, bar a complete disaster.

However, Spanish media are beginning to state that his potential transfer isn’t quite so cut and dry.

News outlet Diario Vasco started by saying Zubimendi’s arrival could be delayed until July, mainly so Arsenal and Sociedad can register the transfer on their books as part of the next financial year, and not for 2024/2025.

COPE, meanwhile, claim to have contacted the midfielder’s entourage for clarity over his medical, and they apparently insist that one hasn’t been scheduled.

Zubimendi himself uploaded a photo of himself at Zurriola beach earlier this week too, which is in Spain’s Basque Country, suggesting he isn’t on a plane to London – at least for now.

Real Sociedad speaks out on Martin Zubimendi exit amid Arsenal claims

Speaking to El Desmarque, Sociedad president Jokin Aperribay has now spoken out in regards to reports that Zubimendi is on the verge of joining Arsenal.

The La Liga chief heavily implied Zubimendi’s exit is by no means a done deal, and he sent a subtle message to the Spain star about remaining at his boyhood club.

“We’ve told Martin to go to the national team calmly, to think about it, and we’d like him to stay,” said Aperribay.

“We know there are several options. Something may come to fruition or not. I don’t see it happening in the short term. We don’t see it that way, so we have to wait and see.”

Given the sheer number of reliable media sources who’ve reiterated that Zubimendi appears set to become an Arsenal player, this statement from the Sociedad chief hints that Mikel Arteta’s side could still have work to do.

Zubimendi agreed to join Liverpool last summer before changing his mind at the last minute, so Gunners supporters will certainly be keeping this in mind before celebrating his capture.

Arteta will be praying that his signing does come to fruition, given Zubimendi’s glowing reputation and Arsenal’s need to replace the exit-bound Jorginho.

Manchester United could now make a move for one of Real Madrid’s top targets, having been left impressed during scouting missions, according to a report.

Man Utd ringing the changes ahead of important summer

After finishing 15th in the Premier League last season, this summer could be one of the most important in Man United’s modern history, and INEOS have already started to ring the changes, signing Matheus Cunha and making a key off-field decision.

It has now been revealed that Jason Wilcox has taken up the role of sporting director, which had been vacant since Dan Ashworth’s departure last November, and the 53-year-old has a big rebuilding job on his hands over the next few months.

Alejandro Garnacho, Antony and Marcus Rashford are among the forwards who could leave, with the latter being widely linked with Barcelona, which means it could be important for the Red Devils to bring in more attacking options, despite having already signed Cunha.

Man Utd hold secret talks to swap Sancho for "generational" £75m PL forward

The Red Devils have held discussions over a swap deal involving Jadon Sancho…

By
Dominic Lund

Jun 4, 2025

According to a report from Caught Offside, one attacking midfielder who Man United scouts have been left impressed by is Como’s Nico Paz, having monitored the 20-year-old’s progress in Italy this season.

The Red Devils could make a move for Paz, but Real Madrid’s interest could be an obstacle, with the Spanish heavyweights identifying the youngster as a top target, given that new manager Xabi Alonso is believed to be a huge fan.

As such, Madrid could be tempted to trigger the €8m (£7m) buy-back clause and sign their former player, although the Tenerife-born maestro may only be willing to move back to Spain if he receives guarantees over his first-team place.

"Exceptional" Paz could be ready to join top club

It is little wonder that Madrid are looking to sign the Argentina international for a bargain fee, considering he enjoyed a fantastic breakthrough season in Serie A last term, picking up six goals and nine assists in 35 outings.

The starlet’s attacking numbers certainly catch the eye, but perhaps equally impressive is the fact he is also willing to pitch in defensively, having displayed his ability to win back possession on a regular basis over the past year.

It is evident to see why Alonso is so fond of the Como star, and he is not the only former Madrid star who appreciates the Argentine, with Toni Kroos previously saying: “This lad (Nico Paz) should be training with us every day because he’s exceptional.”

Paz could be a fantastic long-term addition to Ruben Amorim’s squad, but it could be difficult to compete for his signature with Real Madrid, given the allure of playing for the Spanish side.

Celtic are looking to strengthen their squad before the end of the summer transfer window at the start of September, despite winning two trophies in the 2024/25 campaign.

Brendan Rodgers led his team to the Scottish Premiership title and the League Cup trophy in his second season back at Parkhead, although his side did also lose in the final of the SFA Cup.

As shown in the post above from Fabrizio Romano, Celtic are set to complete the signing of Benjamin Nygren to bolster their options on the right flank.

The Hoops have already signed Ross Doohan to fill the role of third-choice goalkeeper and have snapped up Kieran Tierney to be their new first-choice left-back.

Celtic eyeing move for new midfielder

Having made moves in the goalkeeper, full-back, and winger departments, the Scottish Premiership champions are now eyeing up a new midfielder to improve their squad.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

According to 67HailHail, Celtic are interested in a deal to sign Scotland international Andy Irving from Premier League side West Ham United before the end of the summer transfer window.

The report claims that the Hoops ‘could make a move’ for the left-footed star in the coming weeks, as Rodgers looks to add to his options in the middle of the park.

It states that there are also teams from the Championship in England that are looking at him as a potential signing, but that the Bhoys are currently at the front of the queue to secure his signature.

Why Celtic should sign Andy Irving

The Scottish giants should swoop to sign Irving from the Hammers this summer because he could be an amazing midfield partner for Reo Hatate when called upon.

Whilst captain Callum McGregor is likely to start when fit, given that he started 34 league games this season, Rodgers will be thinking about what life could look like after the 32-year-old’s powers start to wane.

Arne Engels was trialled as a number six at times in his debut campaign in Scotland, and playing the Belgian star there would allow the manager to play Irving and Hatate as the two number eights ahead of him.

Celtic’s Japanese maestro has proven himself to be adept at breaking down opposition defences to chip in with goals and assists, having scored ten goals and provided four assists in 37 league games for the club in the 2024/25 campaign.

As you can see in the table above, Irving caught the eye at the top end of the pitch whilst playing as a midfielder for Klagenfurt in Austria, in the same division that Nicolas Kuhn was signed from when he was at Rapid Vienna.

The 25-year-old star, who was dubbed a “Premier League-level” talent by former scout Mick Brown, only made ten league appearances for the Hammers this term, which meant that he did not have much of a chance to showcase his attacking qualities for Graham Potter’s side.

However, a move to a dominant Celtic team, that have won the title in each of the last four seasons, could help him to regain his best form as a central midfielder who can provide quality as both a scorer and a creator of goals.

That could, therefore, result in Rodgers having two amazing attack-minded number eights in the form of Hatate and Irving, who could cause havoc in the final third, with either Engels or McGregor sat behind them as the number six.

Celtic have hit gold with star who's now worth £8m more than Balikwisha

Celtic have hit the jackpot with this star who is now worth £8m more than reported target Michel-Ange Balikwisha.

By
Dan Emery

Jun 21, 2025

This is why this move could make a lot of sense for Celtic if they decide to go through with a move for him, as this latest report suggests that they may do.

So much change has occurred at West Bromwich Albion in such a short space of time.

It doesn’t feel too long ago since Carlos Corberan was still situated in the Baggies dug-out, with Tony Mowbray going on to face the wrath of the Hawthorns hierarchy after the much-loved Spaniard departed for Valencia.

Fast forward to this summer and Ryan Mason is now tasked with attempting to put West Brom back on the map by guiding them up to the Premier League.

This will be no easy feat for a manager still learning the ropes – but unlike Mowbray – he should have a fully fit Josh Maja at his disposal from the second football gets back underway, which is a definite boost for a team attempting to accelerate out of the traps.

Maja's explosive form for West Brom

Despite only lining up for a mere two league games in total during an injury-ravaged 2025, the former Sunderland marksman would still be crowned West Brom’s top goalscorer of the season when the dust had settled.

Maja bagged a deadly 12 strikes from only 26 clashes, with a clinical brace picked up against Preston North End on New Year’s Day his final meaningful contributions during an up-and-down campaign.

When performing at the peak of his powers, the explosive Maja would constantly be linking up with assist king Tom Fellows to terrorise Championship defences, culminating in the homegrown winger registering a colossal 14 assists.

Mikey Johnston was the second most effective assist maker for the Baggies with a lesser five next to his name, with the addition of a new, entertaining attacker perhaps getting even more out of Maja in the long run when considering their previous blistering exploits in the EFL’s top division.

The "fabulous" talent who could be a dream partner for Maja

Of course, as Fellows became more well-known for being a creative menace, the pressure significantly ramped up on his shoulders.

Consequently, the exciting Hawthorns prodigy would only pick up two goals and three assists across his last eight Championship appearances of the season. To add more context, it would only take Fellows three games right at the start of the season to reach the same assists tally.

This is where former Derby County ace Tom Lawrence could come to the rescue in lessening the burden on Fellows to solely create, with a recent report by TEAMtalk suggesting that Mason and Co. are keen to add the free agent to their ranks this summer, alongside competitors to his signature in Wrexham and Coventry City.

Maja will already be raring to go ahead of next season as he pushes his injury issues hopefully to one side.

But, if he knows he also has Lawrence as a potential teammate feeding him chances, alongside Fellows and many other stars at Mason’s disposal, the potent number 29 will be aiming for an even heavier goal return than the 12 he just managed.

Whilst his celebrated stint with the Rams did see him score plenty of audacious strikes – as seen in his 37 goals from 185 appearances – the ex-Derby captain would also go on to amass a healthy 25 assists at Pride Park across five memorable campaigns.

More specifically, 22 big chances would be created on the end of the Wrexham-born forward across his five Championship seasons in Derbyshire, with the potential here for Lawrence to recapture this previous EFL best if he moves to West Brom shortly.

With a thunderous effort like this one up his sleeve also, the “fabulous” midfielder – as he was once labelled by ex-Rams boss Gary Rowett – could even compete with Maja at the top of the goalscoring charts, with Mason fancying his team’s chances at promotion even more if the free agent was to relocate to the Hawthorns.

Wallace 2.0: West Brom want to sign free agent with 50 Championship goals

West Bromwich Albion could soon snap up their next Jed Wallace by landing this experienced Championship performer.

By
Kelan Sarson

Jun 16, 2025

Regis Le Bris certainly loves raiding his native homeland of France for some gems to add to his ever-expanding Sunderland camp.

Indeed, Lorient-born ace Enzo Le Fee was the first major statement purchase on Le Bris’ end when calling back to his birthplace.

It’s safe to say the midfielder made an instant impact on Wearside, registering an amazing assist against Middlesbrough and then scoring against Luton within his first few months at the club.

Now, Le Bris seems intent on exploring the French market once again.

Sunderland eyeing £14m star after Diarra

Habib Diarra will be the next to join in a similar vein, having been a top performer in Ligue 1 for some time now, which was the Black Cats’ manager’s old stomping ground before the Stadium of Light came calling.

Diarra will allegedly cost a club record £30m to obtain but that won’t stop Sunderland in their tracks when it comes to adding even more diamonds who have recently called the French top division home.

As per a report from Italian outlet Corriere Dello Sport, which has been relayed by, Roker Report, Sunderland are keen on adding AFC Bournemouth outcast Hamed Traore to their growing ranks this summer.

It’s stated that Fiorentina, Parma, Sassuolo, and Marseille are all interested in snapping up the £14m-rated attacker alongside Le Bris’ men, with this frenzied interest coming about off the back of Traore setting Ligue 1 alight last season out on loan at Auxerre.

Still, despite coming into his own in France, The Cherries are adamant they want to get rid, with it being stated that the South Coast outfit are undergoing a squad refresh.

Subsequently, Sunderland could be about to pick up another gem who was a standout performer in Ligue 1 last season, with Traore and Diarra as a duo giving the Black Cats lots of quality ahead of their voyage up a division.

Why Traore would be great alongside Diarra

Traore had shown in flashes for Bournemouth that he can also handle the tricky terrain of the Premier League, before tumbling down the pecking order, with a single goal coming his way from 13 Cherries appearances.

He will hope he can kick on and add even more goals to his slim top-flight collection if Sunderland do come calling, with the Ivorian showing off his obvious class in Ligue 1 last season for Auxerre, bouncing back having initially struggled on the south coast.

In total, Traore fired home a mightily impressive ten goals and picked up two assists across 26 Auxerre appearances, with his ability to play all across the forward positions as a left or right winger, alongside being capable as a number 10, making him an even better pick-up for Le Bris.

Diarra can offer the same eye for a goal and assist that Traore possesses, but from a more central place on the pitch, whether that be as a number 10 or as a more defensive anchor, with the pair together perhaps forming a healthy working relationship in both making the jump to move to Wearside shortly.

The similarities don’t just end at their comparable levels of electric output, however, with Diarra and Traore both willing to battle for their team’s cause too, notably winning a high number of duels.

This would make them very valuable members of Le Bris’ relegation-threatened squad, with the “magnificent” attacker – as he’s been glowingly labelled by scout Jacek Kulig – ready for a chance to prove himself in the Premier League again, after exploding into life on French soil.

With Diarra also being hailed as a “complete midfielder” by analyst Ben Mattinson, these are two buys that could well see Sunderland stay afloat next season, with more signings past these two surely expected as the Black Cats continue to conduct their business at a blistering pace.

​​​​​​​

Alongside Bulka: Sunderland targeting move for "quality" £6m Mepham upgrade

Sunderland are eyeing up a star who could come in as an upgrade on Chris Mepham.

By
Dan Emery

Jun 28, 2025

Leeds United are believed to be interested in signing a “special” player in the summer transfer window, with Daniel Farke a big admirer of the individual in question.

Leeds preparing for Premier League return

The Whites are edging closer to their first game back in the Premier League, with Farke and his players preparing hard after their return to pre-season training.

Leeds’ first match is a home clash with Everton on August 18th, with Elland Road likely to be in raucous spirits under the lights and in front of the Sky Sports cameras, following a couple of seasons away from the top flight.

It has been a productive summer transfer window for the Whites to date, with the likes of Jaka Bijol, Gabriel Gudmundsson and Sebastiaan Bornauw all brought in, but further fresh faces are required, in order to give Farke’s side the best possible chance of avoiding a swift return to the Championship in 2025/26.

Leeds have reportedly made an offer for Fenerbahce and Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic, as they look to find an upgrade on Illan Meslier between the sticks, but it looks as though another player who Farke knows well could be an alternative option in the coming weeks.

Leeds keen on signing "special" free goalkeeper

According to journalist Barry Anderson on X, Leeds are interested in signing goalkeeper Angus Gunn this summer, with the Scot available on a free transfer after leaving Norwich City at the end of last season.

Gunn could be such a shrewd signing by the Whites, not only because he would arrive for free, but also due to the vast experience he now possesses.

The 29-year-old is a 16-cap Scotland international, being hailed as “special” on the international stage by David Marshall, and Farke is a huge fan, saying of him all the way back in 2017:

“Angus is very highly-rated and a really talented goalkeeper. He’s brilliant with his feet as well as his hands and is tall too. We’re happy to have him here for the next season and are thankful to Manchester City for helping us with this deal. I’m looking forward to working with such a great talent.”

Gunn has come up against Leeds so many times in his career, losing on five occasions at Elland Road in total, four of which came as a starter, but he could bring great quality in goal for plenty more years.

More important than Longstaff: Leeds submit bid for "big-game" £11m star

Leeds could make a more important signing than Longstaff

1

By
Joe Nuttall

Jul 10, 2025

He already has 31 appearances to his name in the Premier League, as well as 166 in the Championship, and he could be a safe pair of hands for the Whites, even as a second or third choice option.

Bayern Munich legends Didi Hamann and Lothaur Mathhaus have slammed supremo Uli Hoeness for his harsh criticism of sporting director Max Eberl.

• Hoeness makes controversial comments about Eberl
• Hamann slams Bayern chief
• Matthaus clarifies he doesn't get along with chief

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Bayern's honorary president caused a stir with his criticism of Eberl after a busy transfer window that saw the German giants miss out on several high-profile targets, including their failed public pursuit of Nick Woltemade. As well as claiming that Eberl is "quite sensitive", Hoeness said that he and fellow board member Karl-Heinz Rummenigge will hand over Bayern's business when they have the right people in the right position, which Hamann believes was a dig at the under-fire sporting director. The former player has demanded that the duo sort things out by communicating privately instead of publicly criticising each other. Matthaus, on the other hand, has stated that he found Hoeness' comments embarrassing. 

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• AFP
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  As well as missing out on the signing of Woltemade, despite reaching an agreement with the new Newcastle striker, the Bavarians also saw Florian Wirtz head to the Premier League despite Hoeness' best efforts to snap him up. Attempts to sign Nico Williams and Bradley Barcola also collapsed, but the German champions were able to splash out £66 million ($88m) to sign Luis Diaz from Liverpool. Bayern hoped to make another big attacking signing but settled for the arrival of Nicolas Jackson on an expensive loan that Hoeness says has no chance of becoming permanent due to the conditions of the £56m ($76m) obligation to buy.

  Hoeness warned that granting Eberl's request to buy a player would have been disastrous for the club financially, but his dig about Eberl's sensitivity is what angered Hamann, who feels such public debates will only lead to a breakup.

• WHAT HAMANN AND MATTHAUS SAID

  Hamann said to : "The statements lead me to believe that the relationship will end in the foreseeable future. I don't know how things should continue after what was said. They shouldn't talk about each other publicly, but rather with each other. These are things they have to resolve at some point."

  Matthaus also addressed the issue, saying: "I found most of what Uli said embarrassing. Not only regarding me or Max Eberl, but also his statements regarding Nicolas Jackson's contract details. Hoeness criticises transfer fees, but Bayern itself participates in and contributes to these. That's why I don't know what Uli wants from me. They also took the €30 or €35 million for [Kingsley] Coman from Saudi Arabia. There are many contradictions there. If Bayern didn't need a player, they wouldn't spend €75 million on Luis Diaz. After the departures of [Thomas] Muller, [Leroy] Sane and then Coman, they were suddenly under pressure and signed Diaz and Jackson. Max Eberl should actually be handling the transfers on his own, but ultimately, everything has to be approved from the top."

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT'S NEXT FOR BAYERN?

  Bayern are off to a strong start in the Bundesliga despite the off-field drama around the Allianz Arena. They are in action on Saturday against newly-promoted Hamburg, who have taken one point from their first two games.

Having already welcomed Anthony Elanga, Newcastle United are now reportedly “pushing” to sign Hugo Ekitike in a deal worth over £60m this summer.

Securing their second signing of the summer and their biggest so far following Antonio Cordero’s initial arrival, Newcastle will be glad to have got Elanga over the line. The Swede enjoyed an excellent campaign with Nottingham Forest last time out – scoring six goals as well as assisting a further 12 in all competitions – and will now form one of the Premier League’s deadliest trios alongside Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon.

Speaking for the first time since welcoming Elanga, Newcastle boss Eddie Howe told the club website: “I’m delighted to welcome Anthony to Newcastle United. He has been a key target for us so I’m delighted to secure him at this early part of pre-season.

“He is an exciting talent with attributes that make him a unique attacking threat. His pace, energy and ability to create and score goals will strengthen us and complement the way we want to play. Anthony is hungry to develop even further with us and to achieve success here, and we’re all looking forward to working with him.”

However, after spending around £55m to reinforce Newcastle’s frontline, PIF still reportedly have unfinished business in the summer transfer window. Recent reports have linked the Magpies with moves for the likes of Giorgio Scalvini, who would be an impressive defensive addition, while a move for James Trafford has been on the cards for some time.

What’s more, fresh reports are now claiming that those at St James’ Park are “pushing” to welcome another talented attacking option.

Downie: What Hugo Ekitike bid means for Alexander Isak

According to Fabrizio Romano, Newcastle are now “pushing” to sign Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt after submitting a bid worth over €70m (£61m). Jumping ahead of the likes of Liverpool and Chelsea in the race to sign the Frenchman, the Magpies could be about to form quite the strike partnership between Ekitike and Isak.

Keith Downie has since added comment on the concerns around Isak’s future, speaking to Sky Sports live from outside St James’ Park on Tuesday morning.

While the reporter does confirm the Magpies want the Sweden superstar to sign a new contract and hope to begin talks soon, he claims the club will be in a “completely different scenario” next summer if a new deal is not signed and may well be getting their ducks in a row for Isak to leave in 2026.

There will be some concerns over how Ekitike underperformed his expected goals total last season, but keeping hold of the clinical Isak – at least for now – would instantly nullify those concerns.

The forward’s rise is one that former Reims manager Oscar Garcia saw coming from the start of his career, having told reporters: “There is something very special about him. He’s young, and he has the quality to become a very good player. He’s a young man with a lot of quality but also a lot to improve on, but he works hard in training.”

A dream for Bruno: Newcastle likely to see £50m bid accepted to sign new CM

As Newcastle United look to bolster their midfield options, the Mapgies are reportedly set to see a £50 million bid accepted to sig a great “leader”.

By
Ben Gray

Jul 15, 2025

Now, that “special” player could be on his way to Newcastle to stand next to Isak in one of the best attacks that the Premier League has to offer.

Manchester United loanee Andre Onana's Trabzonspor debut got off to the worst possible start after the Cameroonian produced yet another howler to hand Fenerbahce the opening goal. While the goalkeeper was able to impress through the game, his mistake allowed Youssef En-Nesyri's goal to stand as the match winner, handing Trabzonspor their first loss of the season.

• Onana makes his debut for Trabzonspor

  Onana moved to Trabzonspor from Manchester United last week in a straight loan deal with no options to make the transfer permanent next summer. The Cameroonian made his official debut for the Turkish side against Ederson's Fenerbahce on Sunday. While he had a wonderful game, the Red Devils loanee reminded everyone that even when he performs well, he has an error in his back pocket, as he handed Fenerbahce a win on the night.

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• Onana's howler costs Trabzonspor the game

  Trabzonspor had a tough task at their hand when they went down to 10 men after Okay Yokuslu was sent off in the 20th minute of the clash for 'violent conduct'. Onana had managed to keep all Fenerbahce attempts away; however, in the 45th minute, he spilt a rather tame long shot from his former teammate Fred into the path of Sebastian Szymanski. The Cameroon international managed to save the shot from the Pole, but the ball fell to En-Nesyri, who tapped the ball into an open net.

• Onana wins Man of the Match despite his error

  Apart from the mistake, Onana showed everyone exactly why he was so highly rated at Inter Milan. The Manchester United loanee made a total of eight saves in the game, as he prevented 1.76 Expected Goals (xG) in the process. Onana ended up being awarded the Man of the Match award, however, ultimately, it was his mistake that handed Trabzonspor their first loss of the season.

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  Onana will now look forward to his home debut

  Trabzonspor are set to take on Gaziantep in their next league fixture in what will be Onana's home debut at Akyazi Stadium. The Cameroon international will hope not to be as involved in that clash, but will know that he needs to bring the errors out of his game if he wants to succeed with his side this season.

You can almost physically feel the shift in mood and anticipation at Arsenal. With deals wrapped for Noni Madueke and Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres (who has not formally completed his move), the frontline is reshaping before our eyes.

The pursuit of Sweden sensation Gyokeres felt to have gone on for an interminably long time. And it did. So lengthy was the saga that Gyokeres, with his express focus on transferring to the Emirates Stadium in spite of rival interest, was nearly hijacked on two occasions over the past week. He turned a blind eye to Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United both times.

Madueke’s arrival evoked less fanfare, but he’s a talented player and a fitting profile, one who will provide support for Bukayo Saka on the right flank.

Kepa Arrizabalaga saved three penalties in an exhibition shootout after the Gunners kicked off their pre-season tour with a 1-0 victory over AC Milan. Fellow new recruits Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard got their first tastes of action too.

The next phase in Mikel Arteta’s ambitious plan is coming together, but the Londoners may yet add more to their ranks as they look to end five years without silverware.

What's next for Arsenal

With a deal for Gyokeres done and dusted, Arteta finally has the free-scoring centre-forward he has sought over the past several years.

But more is needed. Cristian Mosquera’s transfer from Valencia to north London remains incomplete, albeit all but wrapped up. There are not expected to be any eleventh-hour issues regarding either of the club’s outstanding bids.

With Chelsea closing on a deal for RB Leipzig playmaker Xavi Simons, Arsenal may soon accelerate their interest in Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze, with Fabrizio Romano confirming that talks are ongoing between Arteta’s side and the player’s camp.

And then there are the futures of Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard to contend with. Either could be playing elsewhere a few months from now.

Should that be the case, the Gunners will need a new left winger. Real Madrid’s Rodrygo has emerged as a top target in recent weeks, though he would cost around £87m and is coming off the back of a disappointing campaign, going 17 matches for Los Blancos without a goal.

However, Rodrygo is not the only talented wide winger on Arteta’s list.

Arsenal looking at deal for Premier League winger

According to Caught Offside, Arsenal “are looking” to complete a deal for Anthony Gordon this summer, with reporter Charles Watts confirming that technical director Andrea Berta is still keen on signing a left-sided forward before the summer’s out.

Gordon, 24, has emerged as one of the Premier League’s leading wingers over the past few years, and Newcastle United know it. Thus, he has been priced at a rather lofty £100m, though Arsenal would surely seek a reduced fee.

An out-and-out winger with impressive athleticism, the England international is also being pursued by Liverpool, who may accelerate their interest if the £70m-rated Luis Diaz is sold to Bayern Munich.

Why Arsenal should sign Anthony Gordon

Off the bat, Gordon has a wealth of experience in the Premier League – and that matters. Many are the talented players who have entered England’s top flight with much hype only to struggle against the current.

Rodrygo, of course, isn’t a nobody, and he hasn’t won two Champions League titles and risen to a position as one of Europe’s leading forwards to be told that he doesn’t have what it takes to impress in a robust and fluent Arsenal side.

But Arteta needs to choose wisely if he is to bridge that canyon and cross past Liverpool, all the while keeping Manchester City and a growing force in Chelsea at bay. And others.

Describing himself as a “nightmare for anyone” he comes up against, Gordon has what it takes to elevate Arsenal’s frontline higher, with his balance and pace and tenacity all exactly what is needed to serve Gyokeres at number nine and contrast with Saka out on the right.

For a range of reasons, Gordon didn’t reach his finest level last season. However, the previous term was one of great individual merit for the Three Lions star, who was awarded Newcastle’s Player of the Year award after clinching 28 goal contributions across the season.

Looking at that high level against Rodrygo’s in La Liga, we begin to see why Arsenal are considering a move for the Magpies man in spite of Rodrygo’s ostensible availability.

Rodrygo, no doubt, is an elite forward, crisper than Gordon in possession and more clinical in the final third. However, they are both creatively on par, and the Newcastle star’s work rate and combativeness are underlined by his duel and ball recovery metrics.

From this, we can see why he ranks so highly on Arsenal’s analytical findings. Let’s hypothesise for a moment: if Gordon plyed his trade at the Santiago Bernabeu, and Rodrygo at St. James’ Park, can we honestly surmise that the data would remain in the same frame?

Arsenal’s transfer activity this summer bespeaks improvements up top, and Gordon would be the cherry on the cake. Moreover, he would find that he could lift himself to the next level under Arteta’s wing, part of an ever-improving side that is so hungry for that final piece of the puzzle.

More exciting than Gyokeres: Romano reveals Arsenal's new "top target"

The sensational game-changer would be an incredible signing for Arsenal.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Jul 24, 2025