Arsenal Transfer News Roundup: Gunners in advanced talks for Benjamin Sesko, club submit Martin Zubimendi offer, and more - May 17, 2024
Arsenal are looking ahead to their final game of the Premier League season against Everton on Sunday, May 19, at the Emirates. Mikel Arteta's team still have an outside chance of winning the league, provided Manchester City drop points this weekend.
Meanwhile, the Gunners are locked in talks to sign Benjamin Sesko this summer. Elsewhere, the north London side have already placed an offer on the table for Martin Zubimendi.
On that note, let's look at the major Arsenal transfer news from May 17, 2024.
Arsenal in advanced talks for Benjamin Sesko
Arsenal are in talks to sign Benjamin Sesko this summer, according to Caught Offside. The Slovenian striker is a rising star in European football and has caught the eye with RB Leipzig this season. Sesko has registered 17 goals and two assists from 41 games in all competitions, turning heads at the Emirates. Mikel Arteta is expected to sign a new No. 9 this year to become the focal point of his attack.
Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah haven't been decisive enough this season and the Spanish manager has identified Sesko as an upgrade on the duo. The north London side have moved quickly to secure a deal and talks with Leipzig are at an advanced stage right now. The 20-year-old reportedly has a €50m release clause in his contract, which the Gunners are willing to pay. However, Chelsea also have their eyes on Sesko and could ruin their local rivals' plans.
Gunners submit Martin Zubimendi offer
Arsenal have submitted a £43m offer to sign Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi this summer, according to TuttoMercato. The Spaniard has been a long-term target for the Gunners, who are aiming to improve their midfield this summer. Mikel Arteta wants to rope in the ideal partner for Declan Rice ahead of the new season and believes Zubimendi is the right man for the job. The 25-year-old has been excellent for Real Sociedad over the years and has been in the thick of things this season as well.
Zubimendi has registered four goals and one assist from 45 outings across competitions, but his future at the Reale Arena is up in the air. The player was previously reluctant to leave the club but is now more open to a departure, especially to a top club in Europe. The Gunners are ready to take him to the Premier League and have even submitted their opening offer for the Spanish side to consider.
The 25-year-old has a £51m release clause in his deal, but the north London side are trying to get a deal done for less. Barcelona and Juventus are also interested in Zubimendi, but their economic instabilities make Arsenal the favourites in the race for now.
Former player urges Liverpool to sign Gabriel Jesus
Former Liverpool defender Glen Johnson has advised the club to move for Gabriel Jesus at the end of this season. The Brazilian striker hasn't been in his element this season, registering eight goals and eight assists from 35 appearances across competitions. His future at Arsenal remains uncertain, with the club already looking for a new striker this year.
Speaking to Betfred, Johnson insisted that the Reds, as well as Chelsea, should consider Jesus as he can be a valuable addition to the squad.
“I would be surprised if Arsenal does actually want to sell him because I think that would be crazy. If he does become available, either Chelsea or Liverpool should bite Arsenal’s arm off," said Johnson.
He continued:
“He’s not going to get you 25 goals a season, but he’s going to be a big part of the team and he works his socks off. In front of goal, he’s going to score a lot of goals at a club like that where he’ll get a lot of opportunities. Chelsea and Liverpool should absolutely jump at the chance.”
Jesus' contract with the north London side runs until 2027.