Arsenal transfer news LIVE: Barcelona in Partey talks EXCLUSIVE, £67.4m Sesko LATEST, Napoli in Gyokeres battle
ARSENAL are looking ahead to a busy summer transfer window after another trophyless season.
SunSport can exclusively reveal that Barcelona are in talks with Thomas Partey over a potential free transfer to Spain this summer.
Meanwhile, Arsenal have begun discussions with RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko, who has a £67.4m release clause.
Elsewhere, the Gunners are battling with Napoli for £67m-rated Sporting superstar Viktor Gyokeres.
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Follow ALL of the latest news, rumours and transfer updates from the Emirates below...
Raf going for Gunners
Arsenal have been dealt a handful of blows in their pursuit of a new winger this summer.
Firstly, Rafael Leao is seen as a key part of the AC Milan project by Allegri, and it would therefore take a large deal to prise him away from Italy.
Furthermore, Leroy Sane has held positive talks with Bayern Munich over a new contract, meaning his signature would be harder to acquire.
The Gunners are also looking at Nico Williams and Takefusa Kubo from La Liga.
Spanish giants could grab Gab
Emirates winger Gabriel Martinelli is rated a shock Barcelona target.
The Spanish giants are looking to add more attacking flair out wide.
Manchester United attacker Marcus Rashford and Liverpool’s Luis Diaz could also be on the radar.
say Martinelli is on the Blaugrana’s shortlist of backup targets, alongside Bayern Munich’s Kingsley Coman.
However, the Gunners would demand a large fee for the Brazil international as they are also trying to spearhead their own attack this summer.
Sporting 'reject £59m Gyokeres bid'
Arsenal have made the first major move for Viktor Gyokeres, it's claimed.
But Sporting Lisbon have reportedly turned down a £59million bid from the Gunners.
Manchester United have also been linked with the Swedish 26-year-old.
And it's also reckoned that Italian champions Napoli are prepared top join the pursuit.
Fight for Mbeumo hots up
Arsenal and Manchester United are still regarded as in the hunt for Brentford frontman Bryan Mbeumo - but face fierce competition.
Newcastle are also understood to be monitoring the 25-year-old's situation.
The Cameroonian finished the season with 20 goals and seven assists in 38 Premier League games.
That's a step-up from his 2023-24 stats, where he netted nine times and supplied seven assists.
Arsenal want more options all across the frontline.
Boss Mikel Arteta reportedly wants a new main striker.
But he wants alternatives to widemen Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli - which is where Mbeumo's versatility comes in.
Nonetheless, it's understood Athletic Bilbao's Nico Williams remains the Gunners' top wing option.
Credit: Getty Prem clubs told Sesko asking price
Arsenal and Manchester United have been told RB Leipzig will require at least £75million for top strike target Benjamin Sesko.
The Slovenian, 22, is regarded as a dream recruit for Prem giants this summer.
And his German club appear finally resigned to losing their main asset.
Leipzig are reportedly hoping it's all sorted soon - so they know where they stand with their budget and transfer kitty for next season.
Full summer plan
have published a 'full summer plan' of Arsenal's for the transfer window.
They say it begins with Martin Zubimendi coming into the midfield before a 'top striker' - potentially Benjamin Sesko or Viktor Gyokeres - joins.
A left winger is another priority, with Nico Williams and Leroy Sane quoted.
A backup goalkeeper will follow, with any further incomings being determined by outgoings.
Coast clearer
Juventus were the European frontrunners to sign Victor Osimhen this summer.
The striker has been linked with a host of Europe's top clubs including Arsenal, Manchester United, Chelsea and sides in Italy.
The bookmakers make a Saudi switch the favourite destination for Osimhen this summer.
But Juve - who were the shortest priced European side - are not in for the Nigerian, according to .
Joan boost?
Arsenal, Man Utd and Newcastle have been given renewed hope of landing Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia.
A number of top clubs have been linked with the stopper, who was a standout and big reason why his club JUST kept their La Liga status.
But it looked like Barcelona were in pole position for his signature.
However current Barca stopper Marc-Andre ter Stegen says he's NOT leaving the Camp Nou this summer.
He said: "Nobody has spoken to me.
"I know I'll be in Barcelona next year. Barca is one of the biggest clubs, and competition is normal.
"For me, the situation isn't changing. I'm extremely excited about next season with a team that's very young, dynamic, and hungry."
Ricely done
Declan Rice was the only Arsenal representative in Uefa's Champions League Team of the Year.
The midfielder's two free kicks against Real Madrid remain a highlight of the entire competition.
Yet NEITHER won the goal of the competition.
And despite Mikel Arteta's claims that they were the best side in Europe this season, only Rice finds his way into the team.
Goalkeeper: Gianluigi Donnarumma (Paris Saint-Gernain)
Defenders: Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Gernain), Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain), Alessandro Bastoni (FC Internazionale Milano), Nuno Mendes (Paris Saint-Germain)
Midfielders: Vitinha (Paris Saint-Germain), Declan Rice (Arsenal FC)
Forwards: Lamine Yamal (FC Barcelona), Désiré Doué (Paris Saint-Germain), Ousmane Dembélé (Paris Saint-Germain), Raphinha (FC Barcelona)
Right formula
Bukayo Saka and Myles Lewis-Skelly have been spotted mixing it with the stars at the Spanish Grand Prix.
The pair - flanked by their England teammates including Jude Bellingham and Ollie Watkins - were spotted looking relaxed walking on the F1 grid.
The vast majority of the 26-man squad have not been to the F1 before, and after the race, they will head to nearby Girona for a training camp.
Saka was approached for a TV interview but opted against it.
Partey's time?
EXCLUSIVE
SunSport understands Thomas Partey would ideally like to stay in north London having built a strong relationship with Mikel Arteta, though Barcelona are circling and are poised to make a move for him.
Partey also recently welcomed a new baby and with his family settled in London, he would love the continuity.
However, he is looking for a deal that doesn’t require him to take a significant pay cut- aware that this could be his final major contract.
He turns 32 this month and is seeking a deal that reflects his status as one of the club’s most important players.
Beyond Barcelona, Partey has also attracted interest from Saudi clubs- but it’s the Catalan giants who have made the first serious move and are keeping the pressure on.
One source close to the player told SunSport: “Thomas respects Arsenal massively and loves living in London, but he also knows his worth and wants a deal that reflects his standing at the club.”
Joao or never
More on our exclusive story now as we look back to Brighton's decision to leave Joao Pedro out of the matchday squad for the last two games of the season.
We told you earlier that the Seagulls have slapped a whopping £70million price tag on striker Joao Pedro.
Pedro hadn't lined up for Brighton since April 19 having served a suspension for a red card against Brentford and was left out the squad after a training ground bust-up.
On Pedro's future - having been linked with a move to Arsenal this summer - boss Fabian Hurzeler said: "With Joao, we had a small issue in training, a type which isn’t uncommon from time to time at all football clubs.
“We dealt with it internally and the matter is closed.
“Joao is an incredible football player, he is a match-winner for us and he is a great player and that’s why we invested in him.
“But there are principles, there are values that are non-negotiable that count for everyone. I don’t make any compromises.
“I am sure that Joao is still a young player, there is still a lot of potential where he will grow."
Longest drought
Arsenal have played the most games in Europe's premier competition without winning it.
The latest figures come after PSG - who were previously fourth in the list - ended their wait for European glory last night.
Their win came after 167 games in the European Cup/Champions League before finally getting their hands on it.
Just fewer than them was Anderlecht on 165, with Atletico Madrid (175) and Dynamo Kyiv (185) third and second.
But way out in front are the Gunners with 211 games across the competitions without winning it.
Look elsewhere?
Arsenal are now no longer favourites to sign Viktor Gyokeres.
Up until midweek, the Gunners were the clear favourites with the bookmakers to sign the Sporting striking sensation.
But those odds have completely flipped and from 11/10 favouritism, Arsenal are now 7/1 to sign the Swedish star.
Liverpool (2/1) and Manchester United (3/1) are now shorter odds as it looks like all eggs are in the Benjamin Sesko basket.
EXCLUSIVE: Barca in talks for Partey
Barcelona are lining up a sensational swoop for Arsenal midfield warrior Thomas Partey and he won’t cost them a penny.
The La Liga giants’ representatives have opened talks with the Ghanaian hardman’s camp over a free transfer this summer with Partey's future at the Emirates still up in the air.
Partey, 31, is out of contract at the end of June but has yet to agree a new deal with Arsenal despite Mikel Arteta publicly confirming he would like to keep him.
The complex and slow-moving nature of negotiations has encouraged clubs like Barcelona and Atletico Madrid who are both looking to bolster their midfield muscle without breaking the bank.
Sources close to the player have told SunSport that Partey is seen as a cut-price fix for Barcelona’s engine room with boss Hansi Flick a big admirer of the ex-Atletico Madrid star.
Arsenal make major mistake already
Mikel Arteta has been warned Arsenal have already made their first transfer mistake of the summer.
An ex-EFL striker has blasted the Gunners for missing out on Liam Delap, who is joining London rivals Chelsea for £30m.
Adebayo Akinfenwa told talkSPORT: "I don’t understand how Arsenal didn’t snap him up
"I don’t understand how, when you need a striker and you’re looking at the transfer market, £30m is chump change in today’s market.
"So when you’ve got somebody who, you’re talking about potential, they’re talking about being a Harry Kane replacement for England, about a proper No.9.
"As soon as Ipswich got relegated, they should have been in there. I think it’s a no-brainer.
"I think he’s going to do well. I really do. I remember speaking to him when he was on loan at Stoke from Man City, and even back then.
"His whole demeanour, his aura, he was self-assured, confident, good stature."
Credit: Getty ICYMI: Joao Pedro updaye
Brighton have slapped a whopping £70million price tag on striker Joao Pedro.
Interest in the Brazilian, 23, has heightened as it appears the Seagulls are willing to do business.
Benjamin Sesko latest
According to Sky in Germany, Andrea Berta and Marcel Schafer held a secret meeting in regards to Benjamin Sesko.
As mentioned before, Benjamin Sesko is now the No1 target for Arsenal this summer, with Leipzig looking to get the deal over the line as soon as possible.
The Gunners will be in no rush to acquire Sesko, with other clubs seemingly backing off, or looking at other options.
With that said, the Gunners, according to reports, have a verbal agreement with the Swede ahead of any deal this summer.
Leipzig’s Sesko will cost Arsenal around £70 million, with Gyokeres coming in somewhere between the £60-90 million region, with reports all suggesting Sporting CP want a different price.
Credit: Getty Napoli join Gyokeres race
Arsenal are one of a host of clubs around Europe eyeing a move for Sporting forward Viktor Gyokeres.
Benjamin Sesko remains a priority for Arteta, but Gyokeres is also high on the list of targets for the Gunners.
The Swede is of interest around Europe, with Serie A winners Napoli now joining the hunt for his signature.
Antonio Conte's side have reportedly already picked up Kevin De Bruyne on a free transfer from Man City, with Gyokeres also on the radar.
De Bruyne x Haaland reborn in Naples?
Eze deal looking unlikely
Arsenal are one of a number of clubs interested in acquiring Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace this summer.
The 26-year-old has stepped up and been sensational for Palace in the absence of Michael Olise, but the Frenchman's form has seen Bayern Munich start to circle.
Alongside Bayern, Tottenham and Man City also hold interest in Eze, meaning the Gunners will have to fend off a number of clubs for his signature.
Arsenal, alongside Spurs, could offer Eze the chance to stay in London, although as of yet it is unknown as to whether the former QPR player has any interest in staying in the capital.
Crystal Palace are also looking for Eze to sign, trying to get their FA Cup goalscoring hero to sign a new deal at Selhurst Park.
As a result, Arsenal may turn to alternatives, such as Nico Williams or Rafael Leao, to fill out their attacking options.
Credit: Getty Juventus man emerges as target
Arsenal are looking to strengthen in a few areas this summer, with a new striker, and a new winger, on the list.
A player who could tick both boxes is Juventus sensation Kenan Yildiz, who can play out wide and as a striker.
The 20-year-old Turkish international has scored seven times, and provided five assists in 35 Serie A appearances.
Yildiz ticks a lot of boxes for Arteta, as he offers cover in a number of positions in the attack, and his potential to develop makes him a perfect fit for Arsenal.
Credit: Getty
Good morning Gunners!
With the season now done and dusted, the transfer window is about to kick into full swing, ahead of the Club World Cup.
Here is some reading from The Sun this Sunday morning...
Brighton want £70m for Pedro
EXCLUSIVE: Brighton have slapped a whopping £70million price tag on striker Joao Pedro.
Interest in the Brazilian, 23, has heightened as it appears the Seagulls are willing to do business.
But they will only be listening to offers around that figure, a huge mark-up on a player who joined in a £35m deal from Watford in July 2023.
Newcastle, Liverpool Arsenal and Aston Villa are thought to be keen.
Pedro hit ten goals in 27 Prem games last term.
But he was left out of the last two games of the season by boss Fabian Hurzeler after a training-ground bust-up with team-mate Jan Paul van Hecke.
Benjamin bid in the balance
Manchester United and Arsenal could fight it out for RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko.
According to Bild’s transfer insider , the Gunners are already in talks to try and strike a deal for Sesko which could climb to as high as £85million.
However, Falk indicates that the North Londoners will not be allowed to complete the move without competition.
That comes in the form of United, who are also looking to land a new striker.
But Man Utd are said to have a secret weapon in trying to convince the Slovenia international about a deal, and that is their director of recruitment Christopher Vivell.
The 22-year-old was personally watched by Vivell back in April, with Sun Sport revealing how he had a “gentleman’s agreement” with Leipzig to leave for around £60m if a top club tables an offer.
Vivell has already brought Sesko once before, to Red Bull Salzburg as a 16-year-old in 2019.
Joan of Barc
Espanyol keeper Joan Garcia is now expected to join Barcelona.
The highly-rated star, 24, had been linked with a move with Mikel Arteta seeking competition for David Raya.
Multiple reports now state that his move to the Nou Camp is at an advanced stage, with Barcelona ready to pay his €25million (£21m) release clause.
Credit: Getty
