Arsenal transfer targets Summer 2025: Isak alternatives eyed

Arsenal had a tough January, and were unable to sign the stars Mikel Arteta wanted. However, Arsenal transfer targets are already being drawn up for what supporters are hoping will be a blockbuster summer window…

Arsenal transfer targets – Summer 2025

The Gunners made three major signings last summer, with Riccardo Calafiori arriving as a new first-choice left-back, Mikel Merino bolstering midfield, and Raheem Sterling providing depth and experience in attack.

Elsewhere, the Gunners signed Neto on loan from Bournemouth as a backup for David Raya, as Aaron Ramsdale departed for Southampton.

Arteta's side have struggled for consistency in 2024/25, with injuries, suspensions, and inflexibility contributing to the gap between them and league leaders Liverpool.

Arsenal's long-term transfer priorities going forward will likely be a marquee forward, either through the middle or from the left, and a younger midfielder to replace Thomas Partey or Jorginho, at least one of whom will surely leave in 2025.

Another interesting development in North London is the departure of sporting director Edu, with former Atletico Madrid chief Andrea Berta taking the reins by many accounts.

This move could have serious implications for how Arsenal look to recruit. Could it see the Gunners change their approach in the transfer market?

Benjamin Sesko (RB Leipzig)

Arsenal moved very early for RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko in the summer of 2024, pushing to sign the Slovenian star before his £55m release clause expired. However, he decided his development was best served by staying a little longer in the Bundesliga, and he signed a new contract – without a release clause.

But all is not lost for the Gunners, as Sesko has reportedly favoured Arsenal above other suitors. The former Salzburg man would not be the first former target Arsenal have returned for.

Raya was on their wish list for three seasons, and Arteta previously pushed to sign Jorginho while assistant at Manchester City, and it is easy to see why Sesko remains such a figure of interest at Emirates Stadium. The striker is freakishly quick and strong, stands at 6ft4in with an incredible leap, but is also devastating when dribbling, able to create space for himself to shoot on his own.

However, the most eye-catching element of Sesko's game is undoubtedly his cannon of a right boot. He has a stunning back catalogue of howitzers. No player in the Arsenal squad can hit a ball like he can.

He is still somewhat raw, with inconsistencies to his technique at times, but Arteta will likely relish the opportunity to fashion this bundle of unique skills into his ideal striker.

Sesko is said to have a verbal agreement with Leipzig to let him leave for £62m in future. This is a very believable stance, given the Red Bulls' sales record. The Gunners explored expediting this move in January, but were met with stiff resistance.

Alexander Isak (Newcastle)

Sesko is not the only former target Arsenal are rumoured to be considering a return for, with the Gunners also monitoring Alexander Isak's situation at Newcastle.

The Sweden international's contractual situation is ‘a complex situation' according to Magpies boss, Eddie Howe. Isak's hesitance to commit his future to Tyneside, and Newcastle's PSR issues could see their hand forced into a sale.

Arsenal were close to triggering Isak's release clause while he was at Real Sociedad and Newcastle would sign him six months later. The striker went on to score 21 Premier League goals last season.

Isak's ability to get shots off in tight spaces, speed, shooting technique and ability to break a game open with pure brilliance are elements Arsenal lack in their attack, as was evident in the Magpies' three wins over the Gunners this season.

David Ornstein has also described him as Arteta's ‘ideal target'. Extracting him from Newcastle will be extremely difficult, and obscenely costly, but Isak to Arsenal is definitely one to watch in 2025.

Nico Williams (Athletic Bilbao)

Athletic Bilbao speedster Nico Williams had an incredible 2023/24, scoring five and assisting 11 in La Liga, helping his club to their first silverware in 40 years and playing a starring role in Spain's Euro 2024 win. He can also play on the left or right, meaning he could cover or challenge either Bukayo Saka or Gabriel Martinelli.

He reportedly has a £48m release clause in his contract, a bargain for a player of his calibre. Three stumbling blocks to this move are his huge £172,900 per week wages (which he would certainly demand a raise on), competition for his signature and his loyalty to Bilbao.

But maybe the biggest of all is the double-edged sword of his release clause. Although £48m on the whole is a pretty good deal, according to La Liga's rules, the entirety of that sum must be paid up front, making the immediate cost of this move enormous.

However, recent reports from Spain have claimed that Williams, after Arsenal's failed pursuits of him last summer and in January, is now ‘ready to accept' a move to Arsenal in the summer.

Leroy Sane (Bayern Munich)

Bayern Munich's Leroy Sane has a contract expiring in summer 2025, meaning Arsenal could potentially sign the German star for nothing. Recent reports have claimed it is unlikely that Sane will sign a new deal at the Allianz Arena.

Bayern were also open to allowing Sane to leave last summer, for the right price, and he often featured among the reported Arsenal transfer targets. Sane lit up the Premier League with Manchester City, scoring 20 and assisting 25 in his last two full seasons at the Etihad, playing from the left or right.

The former Schalke speedster's performances in Sky Blue were often attributed to then-assistant manager Mikel Arteta's coaching of him, and they could end up reuniting at Arsenal. Uncertainty over Sane's future and the arrival of Michael Olise has certainly taken a toll on his standing within the Bayern ranks.

Rumours have circulated in recent weeks that Arteta is eyeing a reunion with Sane, though Manchester United appear set to rival the Gunners for the winger. With Arsenal likely needing to spend big this summer, Sane on a free could allow them to allocate funds to other expensive targets.

Matheus Cunha (Wolves)

One of the very first Arsenal transfer targets to emerge in January was Matheus Cunha, who is enjoying a career-best season at Wolves. A maverick talent, Cunha has scored a great variety of goals, often from nothing, which has seen Arsenal take a keen interest in his future, according to multiple sources.

Having spent £44m on Cunha in January 2023, he represents a major investment for the Black Country side. Wolves persuaded Cunha to sign a new deal, putting an end to Arsenal's winter pursuit.

However, rumours are that although Cunha has a £62.5m release clause if Wolves stay up this season, that clause drops significantly if the Old Gold are relegated. He would represent a direct upgrade on both Leandro Trossard and Jesus, both of whom have doubtful long-term futures at the Emirates and could play off the left or centrally.

Martin Zubimendi (Real Sociedad)

Bombshell reports in January revealed that Arsenal have struck a ‘verbal agreement' with Real Sociedad to sign in-demand midfielder Martin Zubimendi this summer. Zubimendi was close to joining Liverpool this summer, but changed his mind at the last minute. Manchester City and Real Madrid have also been credited with strong interest in the Spanish international, making this quite a coup for the Gunners.

Though there is a pressing need for attacking additions at present, Arsenal have an impending midfield shortage, with Partey and Jorginho both over 30 and out of contract this season. The Gunners have been refreshingly proactive here, and solved a problem before it causes them pain.

Zubimendi is a tempo-setting midfielder, with a superb range of passing, and a mind that is always three paces ahead of his opponents. In essence, he is a young Jorginho, and one of the very best in the world at what he does.

He demonstrated this to great effect in the Euro 2024 final, where he stepped in to replace the injured Rodri, who had been his nation's heartbeat. But with Zubimendi in, La Furia Roja did not skip a beat.

The metronome's arrival would also symbolise the deepening links between Sociedad and Arsenal. Odegaard and Merino played with Zubimendi at the club, along with fellow target Isak too.

Arteta played there in 2004, and the Gunners have been strongly linked with Sociedad's soon-to-depart director of football, Roberto Olabe, to replace Edu. As Zubimendi showed Liverpool, he does have the propensity for changes of heart, meaning this is not a sure thing yet, but it is certainly a step in the right direction for the Gunners.

Ademola Lookman (Atalanta)

Another attacker Arsenal have been linked with is Atalanta's Ademola Lookman, who is enjoying a third consecutive stellar campaign in Serie A. The attacker made headlines last year when his hat-trick in the Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen inspired Atalanta to a first major trophy in decades.

He is reportedly set to leave Atalanta this summer, following a very public spat with manager Gian Piero Gasperini over a Champions League penalty. Lookman is reportedly available for just over £50m, making him an excellent value proposition.

Lautaro Martinez (Inter Milan)

Staying in Serie A, Berta is reportedly eying a move for Inter Milan's striking sensation, Lautaro Martinez, and is looking to lay the groundwork for a summer approach. Martinez is also a former Arteta target of old, with the Gunners linked with the Argentine in summers past.

He has become a bona fide superstar in Italy, with his goal-scoring exploits playing a huge part in the Nerazzuri's successes in recent seasons.

Jorrel Hato (Ajax)

Another player the Gunners have been closely linked with in the recent past is Ajax's Jorrel Hato. And if recent rumours are to be believed, that interest is set to heat up once again…

The Dutchman was linked with the Gunners throughout 2023/24, up until he signed a new contract that summer. Arsenal were believed to have made approaches in both January and the summer.

The defender is a near-perfect fit for Arsenal. He can play as a centre-back, as he did last season, but also as a left-back.

With doubts over the futures of Kieran Tierney, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Jakub Kiwior, and Myles Lewis-Skelly's future potentially in midfield, Arsenal will likely need reinforcements on the left side of their defence.

Hato is already considered one of Europe's finest young defenders, and possesses many of the same attributes that have made Jurrien Timber such a hit at Emirates Stadium. This move make a lot of sense for all parties, but Arsenal will have to fend off competition from Europe's elite to get their man…

Arda Guler (Real Madrid)

According to Spanish news outlet Fichajes, Arsenal are preparing an offer worth around £25.9m to sign Real Madrid and Turkey international midfield player Arda Guler in the summer transfer window. He is thought to not be happy with his limited game time at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray on loan from Napoli)

According to ESPN, Arsenal, as well as fellow Premier League rivals Chelsea and Manchester United, are interested in signing Napoli and Nigeria international striker Victor Osimhen in the summer transfer window. The Galatasaray loanee is available for £55m, but is thought to favour a move to Serie A giants Juventus over the English top flight.

Jobe Bellingham (Sunderland)

According to CaughtOffside, Arsenal, as well as fellow Premier League rivals Manchester United, Chelsea, Tottenham, Brighton and Crystal Palace are all keeping an eye on the situation of English central midfield player Jobe Bellingham at Sunderland. However, Chelsea are currently showing the strongest interest in pursuing a potential deal in the summer transfer window.

Rafael Leao (AC Milan)

According to The Boot Room, Arsenal are tracking AC Milan and Portugal international winger Rafael Leao ahead of a potential move in the summer transfer window. The North London club are ready to use the influence of Declan Rice to try and seal a deal.

Pietro Comuzzo (Fiorentina)

According to Italian news outlet Tuttomercatoweb, Arsenal, as well as fellow Premier League rivals Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham, are all interested in a potential move for Fiorentina star Pietro Comuzzo in the summer transfer window.

Whisper+ hot rumour: Viktor Gyokeres (Sporting)

According to The Sun, Arsenal have now set their sights on a potential move for Sporting and Sweden international striker Viktor Gyokeres in the summer transfer window as an alternative to fellow countryman Isak. Newcastle are thought to be set to hand him a new contract, and he would cost a whopping £150m anyway, compared to just £59m for Gyokeres.