Arsenal Football Club is actively working to strengthen their squad this summer, with manager Mikel Arteta personally leading the charge to sign a high-profile forward. Recent reports indicate that Arteta has his sights set on a star player from a Premier League rival, who is reportedly seeking a move away ahead of the upcoming season.
While earlier speculation suggested possible disagreements between Arteta and Arsenal’s new sporting director, Andrea Berta, regarding transfer targets, Arteta has moved to dismiss those claims.
He confirmed that both he and Berta are in agreement about the club’s recruitment plans. Berta, who recently joined from Atlético Madrid, brings a wealth of experience to Arsenal’s backroom staff, yet Arteta is determined to prioritize his own preferred signings as part of his summer rebuild.
Football journalist Simon Phillips recently reported that Arteta has placed RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Šeško at the top of his transfer wishlist. Šeško is now favored over Viktor Gyökeres, whom Arsenal had previously pursued without success.
In addition to Šeško, Arteta has also expressed interest in Athletic Bilbao’s forward Oihan Sancet. Sancet, who enjoyed an impressive campaign with 17 goals, could be secured by triggering his £67 million release clause.
The latest name to emerge on Arteta’s radar is Chelsea’s versatile winger Christopher Nkunku. According to updates from The Sun and journalist Anthony Chapman, Nkunku is now a serious transfer target for Arsenal. Despite finding the net 14 times, Nkunku has struggled for regular first-team opportunities under Chelsea’s new head coach, Enzo Maresca, and is reportedly open to a move.
Arteta is believed to admire Nkunku’s ability to operate in multiple attacking roles and views him as a valuable addition to Arsenal’s frontline. Though the player’s £195,000-a-week wages are considerable, Chelsea are said to be open to selling the Frenchman for £35 million — a notable reduction from the £52 million they paid for him in 2023.
Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has publicly praised Nkunku’s talent in the past, and it seems Arteta shares a similar opinion.
While it remains uncertain whether Chelsea would agree to strengthen a direct competitor by allowing Nkunku to join Arsenal, the North London club appears determined to test their resolve as they push to bolster their squad for the new campaign.
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