Arsenal accelerate transfer plans: Eze joins Šeško, Gyökeres and Zubimendi on priority list

Arsenal preparing for an ambitious summer rebuild

Looking to reinforce midfield, attack and defence, Arsenal are in talks with several players including Eberechi Eze, Benjamin Šeško, Viktor Gyökeres, Martín Zubimendi, Christian Nørgaard and Cristhian Mosquera. A busy window lies ahead for Mikel Arteta’s side.

Eberechi Eze: a game-changer with Premier League pedigree

According to information published by the Daily Mail last year, Eze’s contract with Palace includes a £68 million release clause that becomes active this summer. This clause presents a direct opportunity for clubs with clear plans, such as Arsenal, to activate it immediately.

The 26-year-old Englishman played a decisive role in Crystal Palace’s FA Cup triumph last season. His goal in the final against Manchester City not only changed the scoreline but also demonstrated his ability to take responsibility in big matches. Unassuming but dependable – not one for the spotlight, yet always in control.

Eze stands out as one of the most influential attacking players in the Premier League. His playing style blends freedom with a high sense of responsibility. He excels in one-on-ones when on the ball, can split defences with a single pass, searches for space around the box, turns towards goal upon receiving the ball and remains composed under pressure. His effectiveness off the ball makes him a player who can directly fit into Arsenal’s system.

Zubimendi: the deep-lying playmaker Arteta values

According to The Guardian, Arsenal are ready to pay the £51 million release clause of Real Sociedad’s Martín Zubimendi to bolster their midfield. Talks are at an advanced stage, with the player expected to travel to London for medical examinations. Zubimendi made 48 appearances in all competitions last season, contributing 2 goals and 2 assists. While not a goal threat, he plays a pivotal role in tactical organisation. He is key in building play from the back, connecting passes from defence, and maintaining structure. With high composure under pressure and smart decision-making, he offers confidence in deep positions. His passing quality is elite – not risky, but forward-thinking, balancing tempo and control with maturity. He represents a central midfielder who values efficiency over flash, keeping the system running and understanding his role clearly.

Such players are crucial in a physically and tactically intense league like the Premier League for sustained success. Considering Arteta’s emphasis on passing links and game-controlling midfielders, this profile could be not just supplementary but a stabilising core of the team’s structure. Zubimendi could become a backbone in rotation during demanding stretches of the season, calming transitions and keeping rhythm. His presence would be a strategic asset as much as a tactical one within Arsenal’s deep squad.

Nørgaard: a smart and economical squad addition

The Guardian also reports that Arsenal have made a bid in the range of £10–15 million for Brentford captain Christian Nørgaard. The experienced Danish midfielder is expected to play a key role in squad rotation. Nørgaard registered 6 goals and 4 assists in 35 appearances during the 2024/25 season. His tackling ability and high stamina make him a reliable presence. Alongside his contribution to team defence, he’s also effective at narrowing space when possession is lost. He stands out not only through his tackling but also with positional sense and spatial awareness. During opposition transitions, he relieves pressure on the backline by positioning himself well, staying strong in one-on-one duels and helping his team win second balls.

Mosquera: reinforcing the defence with youth and consistency

Alongside midfield and attacking reinforcements, Arsenal also seek to strengthen their defensive depth. According to The Athletic and The Guardian, the club plans to use Valencia’s 21-year-old centre-back Cristhian Mosquera as a direct back-up for William Saliba and Gabriel. Injuries and limited rotation options last season exposed the need for urgent additions in defence. Mosquera made 41 appearances in the 2024/25 season and scored once. Despite being just 21, he showed consistency in Spain. His strength in duels, aerial ability and pace make him a valuable option for the back line. Calm under pressure and with solid positional awareness, he also supports buildup play well. While not a standout distributor, he offers clean and assured passing under pressure.

Šeško: a striker with elite-level upside

According to Bild’s 28 June 2025 report, Arsenal continue to show interest in 21-year-old RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Šeško. However, Leipzig have yet to receive a formal offer. The club reportedly expects a package of around €70 million plus bonuses. Bild claims Arsenal’s coaching staff rates the player highly, though there are internal disagreements over transfer priorities and financial strategy. Leipzig, on their end, have made it clear they are open to talks if a serious bid arrives. Šeško scored 21 goals and provided 6 assists in 45 matches during the 2024/25 season, showing notable development in Germany. He can shield the ball well under pressure and act as a passing outlet with his back to goal. This helps maintain attacking momentum and facilitates the team’s transition into structured attacking play, serving as a key link up front.

He also distinguishes himself with his finishing around the box; his quick thinking in tight spaces and ability to shoot without disrupting his stance make him a major threat. His diagonal runs behind defences prevent him from being a static target man, turning him into a constantly moving, versatile attacking presence that keeps opposition lines busy.

Gyökeres: Arsenal’s power-forward priority

Another name on Arsenal’s radar is Swedish striker Viktor Gyökeres of Sporting. According to Bild, Sky Sports, The Telegraph and The Sun, the club have held talks with the player’s agent and submitted a formal offer. The Guardian reports that Sporting CP will not entertain offers below €80 million (around £67 million). While acknowledging the existence of a release clause in his contract, the Portuguese side have indicated it is quite high and not open to negotiation.

Gyökeres played 52 matches last season, scoring 54 goals and delivering 13 assists, making him one of the most talked-about forwards in Europe. Blending explosive pace with upper-body strength, he breaks lines both in short bursts and long sprints. Unafraid of physical battles and able to stay upright in duels, he offers major advantages in attack. He is also a threat in the air, with timing and leap ability that make him dangerous during set-pieces and open play. With both positional intelligence and clinical finishing, he brings a modern edge to the classic No.9 role.

When receiving the ball with his back to goal, he maintains balance and breaks free from markers, disrupting defensive organisation. By keeping control of the ball in these moments, he helps attacks mature and creates space for teammates. His ability to be in the right place at the right time inside the box stands out, and his conversion rate is notably high. He is seen as a direct match for the striker profile Arsenal are targeting – a finisher who caps off fast breaks, carries play when needed and leads the line with purpose.

What this transfer push says about Arsenal’s strategy

Arsenal’s summer moves reflect a layered strategy that goes beyond short-term fixes and points toward long-term squad construction. The club is targeting technically refined profiles who can slot seamlessly into Mikel Arteta’s possession-based system, while also addressing depth issues that surfaced during key stretches of the previous season. From Eze’s flair to Zubimendi’s composure, Gyökeres’ power to Mosquera’s consistency, each target fits a clear stylistic and structural intent. Taken together, these efforts show that Arsenal’s approach to the transfer market is not just about filling gaps — it’s a deliberate attempt to evolve the club’s footballing identity through strategic continuity and technical clarity.