ARSENAL hope to sign Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard in time for their pre-season training camp in Spain next week.
The Gunners’ only summer signing so far saw them activate Chelsea keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga’s £5million release clause to make him back-up for No 1 David Raya.
But Zubimendi’s £51m arrival from Real Sociedad is on the verge of being announced.
And Brentford man Norgaard will not be far behind after having a medical ahead of a £10m plus add-ons switch.
If all goes smoothly, the midfield duo should be on the plane for warm-weather training in Spain ahead of a pre-season tour of Singapore and Hong Kong from July 19.
Defender Takehiro Tomiyasu has had his contract mutually terminated due to his poor injury record, despite having a year left on his Emirates deal.
The Japanese star, who featured for just SIX minutes last term, is recovering from a long-term knee issue that will keep him out for most of 2025.
Meanwhile, Viktor Gyokeres has rejected two more offers with the Sporting CP striker still determined to join Arsenal this summer.
The Sweden international remains in a heated stand-off with his club and is desperate to secure a summer transfer away with North London his preferred destination.
Juventus were ready to offer the 26-year-old that opportunity next season but he also turned down a move to Turin with the Bianconeri since signing Jonathan David.
While he has his heart set on Arsenal, the Premier League giants are also exploring a move for RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko – possibly leaving Gyokeres in limbo if Mikel Arteta’s side sign for the Slovenia international.
Al-Hilal and Al-Qadisiyah have made approaches which have been rejected by the Sporting star.
Inside Arsenal’s frustrating striker transfer saga
By Jordan Davies
ARSENAL’S never-ending hunt for a world-class striker is in turmoil as deals for Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres stall.
The Gunners were confident of doing their business quickly this summer after months of preparation by boss Mikel Arteta and new sporting director Andrea Berta.
But inflated asking prices and broken gentlemen’s agreements have derailed those plans and left Arsenal frustrated.
Sesko believed he would be allowed to leave RB Leipzig for around £60million, while SunSport understands Gyokeres was told £59m would be enough to seal his own exit.
But those price-tags have gone up, leaving Arsenal debating whether they represent value for money.
While the players’ camps are also growing restless, knowing the Gunners can only sign one of them.
So what next? Will Arsenal keep waiting in the hope of fees eventually going down? Or turn to other targets, like Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike?
Whatever they decide, with pre-season looming and the fixtures already out, Arteta will be desperate for them to move quickly to avoid another nearly season.
Gyokeres scored 54 goals in 52 appearances to lead Sporting to a domestic double last season but his relationship with the club has turned toxic in recent weeks.
Meanwhile, Crystal Palace have revealed that Eberechi Eze will not be sold for a price lower than £68m, report The Mirror.
That is the value of the winger’s release clause and Palace are unwilling to negotiate for less than that fee.
Arsenal are favourites to sign Eze this summer but there is also interest from Tottenham too.
Gunners have made contact in their bid to sign Chelsea star Noni Madueke.
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