Arsenal Nears £51m Zubimendi, £67m Sesko Deals

Arsenal is actively strengthening their squad this summer, focusing on key areas to overcome their recent near-misses in the Premier League. The club is close to signing Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad for around £51 million, a defensive midfielder expected to replace Thomas Partey and complement Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard in midfield. Zubimendi, praised for his game intelligence and passing, played a pivotal role in Spain's Euro 2024 victory and is considered one of the world's best defensive midfielders. Alongside Zubimendi, Arsenal is targeting a prolific striker, with RB Leipzig's Benjamin Sesko and Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres high on their list; Sesko’s deal could be finalized by the end of June for a reported €80 million release clause. There is some criticism, such as from Shaun Wright-Phillips, who questions Arsenal's heavy midfield investment given their more pressing need for a clinical finisher to convert chances into goals. The arrival of these new signings aims to balance Arsenal’s squad, allowing creative players like Kai Havertz to shift roles and relieve the creative burden on Martin Odegaard.