Arsenal’s Summer Plans: Big Moves Expected

Arsenal’s quiet January might spark a summer spending spree! With big signings on the way and important spots ready for a shake-up.

February 9, 2025
2:40 pm

Arsenal is hoping that their quiet January transfer window will pay off this summer. Even though they looked at a bunch of options, the Gunners decided not to make any signings in the winter. But that means they’re in a great spot to go all out in the upcoming transfer market.

Mikel Arteta made it clear in late January that the club was exploring options, and now, with some serious cash to spend, he’s expected to go after a top striker. Alexander Isak and Benjamin Sesko are at the top of Arsenal’s wish list.

Getting Isak from Newcastle won’t be easy and might need a record-breaking fee. The Magpies want to keep their star striker and are looking to extend his contract. While Isak is a dream target, Arsenal sees RB Leipzig’s Sesko as a more realistic option. The 20-year-old Slovenian was on Arsenal’s radar last summer but chose to stay with Leipzig before Euro 2024. Since Leipzig held firm in January, Arsenal didn’t make any formal moves, but they’re likely to try again this summer.

A move for Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, who turns 30 in December, is still a possibility, but Arsenal is mainly focused on younger players. They also like Athletic Club’s Nico Williams, but since they need a new center-forward, a winger isn’t the top priority.

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Arsenal’s squad shake-up will go beyond just strikers, with big changes expected in midfield. Jorginho and Thomas Partey are likely to leave when their contracts end. The Italian has been chatting with Flamengo about a pre-contract deal, but Arsenal turned down a low offer last month, wanting to keep him for the rest of the season.

The Gunners are also eyeing Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi, who has a £51 million release clause. However, Real Madrid might join the chase for the talented Spaniard, making things trickier for Arsenal. They’re also keeping an eye on 18-year-old Sverre Nypan from Rosenborg, who decided to stay in Scandinavia for another six months, putting a Premier League move on hold.

In goal, Arsenal is looking at their options since loanee Neto is heading back to Bournemouth. Espanyol’s Joan Garcia is still a target, with Arsenal having made two bids last summer that were turned down. Espanyol insists his release clause must be met.

They’re also thinking about defensive reinforcements, but any new signings will depend on who leaves. Ajax’s Jorrel Hato is on Arsenal’s radar, while Kieran Tierney is expected to return to Celtic on a free transfer. Jakub Kiwior and Oleksandr Zinchenko might also look for new clubs after not getting much playing time. The rise of Myles Lewis-Skelly has made Zinchenko’s future at the Emirates less urgent.

William Saliba is drawing interest from Real Madrid, but he’s not looking to leave Arsenal, and the club isn’t interested in selling one of their key defenders.

Behind the scenes, the Gunners are working to finalize their new sporting director after Edu’s departure. Jason Ayto is stepping in for now and is a strong candidate, but they’re also considering other options, like Real Sociedad’s Roberto Olabe and former Gunner Tomas Rosicky, who’s currently at Sparta Prague.

After a winter of waiting, Arsenal is gearing up for a summer of big moves. With a solid transfer budget and key positions to fill, the Gunners are ready to make a splash in the market.