Arsenal are yet to decide whether to move for Sporting goal machine Viktor Gyokeres or RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko, but sporting director Andrea Berta is a busy man
Arsenal are in the middle of a crucial period of the summer transfer window, with crunch time approaching in the race to sign top-class players. The Gunners know they need to bolster their squad if they are to win silverware next season and are determined to make the most of the current window.
Mikel Arteta has guided his side to three successive second-place finishes in the Premier League, while Arsenal were knocked out of the Champions League in the semi-finals by eventual winners Paris Saint-Germain. New sporting director Andrea Berta is in place and is the man tasked with recruiting players capable of taking Arsenal to the next level.
The transfer window has opened early this summer, due to the Club World Cup, and the club have wasted no time in getting down to business. A world-class striker is the No.1 priority on Berta’s list and the former Atletico Madrid man is working on it.
Meanwhile, he knows that exits are also needed to help accommodate the new signings, who will include Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, who should be the first arrival of the summer for £51million. Here are the latest headlines from Mirror Football.
Arsenal release 17 players
Arsenal have confirmed the players who will leave the club on June 30 after not being offered new contracts. Among the list of youngsters from the academy are Jorginho, Kieran Tierney and Raheem Sterling.
Jorginho is expected to move to Flamengo as a free agent once his deal expires. His departure will be covered for by the arrival of Zubimendi, who is a similar kind of player.
Tierney has been linked with a return to Celtic and has already bid farewell to the club’s fans with a statement. “I feel so lucky that I've played for this club and the love that the supporters have given me has been amazing,” he said. “I've loved every day here and I've learned so much, I've improved so much and I just feel very lucky.”
Sterling, meanwhile, will return to Chelsea after his loan spell came to an end. The veteran forward failed to make an impact at Arsenal and will face an uncertain future this summer.
Sesko vs Gyokeres decision
Andrea Berta is still exploring the financial frameworks that would be required to sign Viktor Gyokeres or Benjamin Sesko this summer. The Arsenal sporting director is the man in charge of leading the chase for a striker, but he is taking his time.
Mirror Football understands that Gyokeres would be willing to join the Gunners, and Sporting would be willing to sell, if they stump up £60m as a transfer fee and well in excess of £200,000-a-week to make him one of the club’s top earners.
Arsenal have been tracking Sesko for longer and the RB Leipzig star is reported to have ‘near universal backing’ at the club due to his stronger data.
Partey talks continuing
Arsenal have confirmed that they remain in talks with Thomas Partey over a new contract. Partey’s current deal will expire on June 30, but the club want to keep him in north London.
Speaking recently, Arteta made it clear that Berta is the man tasked with keeping the midfielder, saying: "The intention is very clear. I'll leave that to Andrea and the club to take a step forward."
The 31-year-old has attracted interest from Spain, where he previously played for Atletico Madrid before a £45m move to Arsenal. Barcelona have reportedly held talks over signing the Ghana international on a free transfer, but it seems likely he will stay put.