Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta has reportedly added a marquee new transfer target to his list of potential signings this summer, with preparations beginning for what is expected to be an active window.
Arsenal scheduling talks as clock ticks towards summer window
2024/2025 is about to draw to a close, and following the end of their previously hopeful Champions League campaign, full attention is beginning to turn towards the off-season.
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The Gunners have get in there first.
Arsenal lost out on this year’s Premier League title to Liverpool by a seismic distance, thanks largely to key-player injuries and an inability to put teams away, with Mikel Arteta’s side registering 13 draws in the top flight so far, which is more than any other side in the top nine.
The Gunners did knock Real Madrid out of the Champions League in statement fashion, dismantling Carlo Ancelotti’s side 5-1 on aggregate in the quarter-finals, but competition favourites PSG put an end to their European dream in the next round.
|
Arsenal’s final Premier League games |
Date |
|---|---|
|
Liverpool (away) |
May 11th |
|
Newcastle United (home) |
May 18th |
|
Southampton (away) |
May 25th |
It is now back to the drawing board for Arteta and Berta in preparation for 25/26, with a transfer overhaul anticipated at the Emirates this summer.
Arsenal could spend up to £300 million on seven major signings across the squad (GiveMeSport). It is also believed they’re targeting a new second-choice goalkeeper, defender, midfielder, right-winger, left-winger and striker among their recruitment priorities (GiveMeSport).
Arteta’s left side of attack will be a key area to watch, as reports suggest Gabriel Martinelli could be sold by Arsenal in the event of a suitable offer arriving (The Athletic).
Leandro Trossard’s deal also expires in 2026, and with no sign of a renewal so far, Arsenal will be planning for life without the Belgium international if they decide not to extend his stay.
Berta adds Milan star Rafael Leao to Arsenal target list
According to Calciomercato and Italian transfer journalist Daniele Longo, Portugal international Rafael Leao is now emerging as a possible Arsenal solution.
The 25-year-old has been a star player for the Rossoneri over the last few seasons, chalking up 12 goals and 13 assists in all competitions this term, with his form turning heads at N5.
It is claimed that new director Berta has personally added Leao to Arsenal’s transfer target list ahead of the summer window, but he could be a pretty expensive option.
His contract contains a €175m (£148m) release clause, which will be active from July 5 to July 15 (Foot Mercato). However, it is unlikely Arsenal would be willing to pay this, and may well look to whittle this down to a far more acceptable and doable fee.
Longo reports that the lowest offer Milan would entertain is around €100m (£85m), which still comes as a pretty significant outlay and would make Leao one of Arsenal’s most expensive ever signings.
A potential deal for the Sporting academy graduate is therefore set to be an ambitious one, and with Chelsea also in contention for Leao, Arsenal face a serious battle on their hands if they wish to tempt him to north London.
