Arsenal Transfer News Roundup: Gunners identify Benjamin Sesko alternative; club retain Martin Zubimendi interest, and more - June 12, 2024
Arsenal are working to add more quality to their squad after finishing second in the Premier League, behind champions Manchester City in the 2023-24 campaign. Mikel Arteta has improved his team in leaps and bounds in recent seasons and will be determined to sustain their rise with smart additions over the summer.
Meanwhile, the Gunners have identified three alternatives to RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko. Elsewhere, the north London side have retained their interest in Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi this year.
On that note, here's a look at the key Arsenal transfer stories as on June 12, 2024:
Arsenal identify Benjamin Sesko alternative, says journalist
Arsenal have identified three candidates as alternatives to Benjamin Sesko, according to transfer insider Ben Jacobs. The Slovenian striker was a target for Arteta this summer but has apparently decided to stay at RB Leipzig.
The situation has forced the Spaniard to scout the market for alternatives. Arteta remains eager to add a proven No. 9 to his attack before the new campaign, and Sesko would have been perfect for the role.
The 21-year-old played second-fiddle to Lois Openda at the Red Bull Arena in the 2023-24 campaign but still registered 18 goals and two assists in 42 games across competitions. Sesko briefly considered a departure from the Bundesliga club but has apparently decided to stay.
In his column for Caught Offside, Jacobs added that a move could materialise at the end of next season.
“Arsenal are searching for another striker after Benjamin Sesko decided to stay at Leipzig. A renewal, on new lucrative terms, was always a concrete possibility,” wrote Jacobs.
He continued:
“Arsenal’s pitch was strong, but Sesko felt staying an extra was better for his development. There is a gentleman’s agreement he can still be sold in the summer of 2025."
Jacobs went on to name Brighton & Hove Albion striker Evan Ferguson, Sporting's Viktor Gyokeres and Bologna forward Joshua Zirkzee as alternatives to Sesko for the Gunners.
“Arsenal have plenty of other options on their list, including Evan Ferguson and Viktor Gyokeres.
"They are also keeping a very close eye on the Joshua Zirkzee situation. Milan are pushing to complete a deal, but if it falls through I expect Arsenal to be in the conversation for the Bologna striker,” wrote Jacobs.
Evan Ferguson endured a difficult 2023-24 campaign at the Amex, but his stock remains high.
Gunners retain Martin Zubimendi interest, says journalist
Arsenal remain keen to secure the services of Martin Zubimendi this summer, according to Ben Jacobs. Arteta is on the hunt for squad reinforcements, with a new partner for Declan Rice high on his agenda.
Mohamed Elneny has already ended his stay at the Emirates, while Thomas Partey also has one foot out of the club. Zubimendi has been outstanding for Real Sociedad over the years, is a long-term target for Arteta and could be on the move this year.
In his column for Caught Offside, though, Jacobs warned that the Gunners have to be at their persuasive best to convince the 25-year-old to leave the Reale Arena.
“Martin Zubimendi is still a realistic possibility, though the challenge there is persuading him to leave Real Sociedad,” wrote Jacobs.
He continued:
“He’s very happy there and that’s why he stayed at the club in January, though that was also with Champions League football to look forward to in the second half of the season, and now it would be all about persuading the player to leave a club that he’s really settled at.”
Jacobs also ruled out moves for Bruno Guimaraes and Douglas Luiz this summer.
“We also know that Arsenal have looked at Douglas Luiz before, but they’re not engaged in negotiations with him at the moment – it’s all about Aston Villa and Juventus," wrote Jacobs.
He added:
“We know that Arsenal appreciate Bruno Guimaraes too, but they haven’t made a concrete move and have no plans to trigger his release clause."
Guimaraes reportedly has a £100 million release clause in his contract and is being eyed by Manchester City.
Marcus Edwards wanted at the Emirates
Marcus Edwards has emerged as a target for Arsenal this summer, according to O Jogo. The English striker has endured a mixed 2023-24 campaign with Sporting, dropping down the pecking order under manager Ruben Amorim.
The 25-year-old ended the season with six goals and nine assists in 44 games across competitions. However, his stock remains high, and the Gunners have apparently identified him as an option to strengthen their squad this summer.
Arteta is all set to miss out on Benjamin Sesko but remains keen for attacking reinforcements ahead of the new season. Edwards could be a fine backup for Bukayo Saka, who was overloaded in the 2023-24 campaign.