Arsenal transfer news LIVE: Sesko ‘talks scheduled’, Nico Williams ‘reluctant’ to move, Madrid planning Zubimendi SWOOP

Real are on the Mendi too

Real Madrid could stun Arsenal by landing Martin Zubimendi.

The Spain midfielder's switch from Real Sociedad to the Emirates had appeared certain.

But Madrid are reportedly preparing a "final offensive" to recruit the 26-year-old.

The Gunners are losing Jorginho, while fellow anchorman Thomas Partey has yet to agree a new Emirates contract.

And Arsenal chief Mikel Arteta is keen to find a long-term partner for Declan Rice in the centre.

But reports in Spain say Madrid are very much still in the race for Zubimendi.

Kepa closer to Emirates?

Arsenal are reportedly still keen to tie up a deal for Chelsea stopper Kepa Arrizabalaga.

Kepa has a £5m release clause in his contract and he is set to join as back-up to Spanish compatriot David Raya.

Arsenal are yet to activate that clause in Kepa’s deal, presenting Bournemouth with a chance to hijack the deal.

Reports suggest the Cherries, who had him on loan last season, could make a late swoop.

Arsenal 'prioritise Sesko'

Benjamin Sesko is rated Arsenal's most likely recruit up front - despite Viktor Gyokeres still being on the radar.

The Gunners and Manchester United are both keen on Sporting Lisbon's Gyokeres.

And it's reckoned the Portuguese giants could now be willing to sell the Swede for around £60million, compared to his reported release clause of of nearer £85m.

But it's increasingly suggested that Arsenal are focusing more on Sesko.

Sky Germany even say the Gunners have opened talks with RB Leipzig over the 22-year-old Slovenian. 

Tog on for new Gunners' job

Arsenal are set to appoint Matteo Tognozzi in a senior recruitment role, according to reports.

Tognozzi has previously worked with Juventus and Granada.

He is set to assist new sporting director Andrea Berta and James Ellis as head of recruitment.

Mbeumo battle hots up

Brentford would hold out for £70million for Bryan Mbeumo - as Tottenham and Manchester United continue to circle for the striker.

Spurs' reported pursuit of Bees' manager Thomas Frank has wobbled United's position as favourites to land the Cameroonian.

Brentford still hope to keep hold of the 25-year-old.

And it's thought United have already made two offers, including £50m plus £10m add-ons.

But the Bees ideally want at least another £10m on top of that.

Gaard of honour

Martin Odegaard got an assist for Erling Haaland as Norway beat Italy 3-0 on Friday night.

The Norwegians have won all three of their World Cup qualifying games so far, scoring 12 goals in the process.

And with five assists, Odegaard tops the assist charts so far.

Gunners supporters hope bringing in a striker like Benjamin Sesko will get the best out their skipper once again, with one saying: "Almost as if having an elite striker in front of him helped a bit with his supposed lack of creativity."

'Arsenal fans should worry'

French icon Marcel Desailly believes William Saliba will stay at Arsenal... but not in the long-term.

He told Oddspedia: "One worry for Arsenal fans is that he has had three and will probably have four seasons in the first-team.

"Will he want a change? We know that Arsenal are never number one.

"This season he will stay there. I don't see him going anywhere.

"But in the future I could see him at Real Madrid with a new lifestyle, Arsenal fans should worry.

Partey time's up?

Arsenal reportedly tabled a "competitive offer" to Thomas Partey around ten days ago.

The club are yet to hear whether the midfielder will accept or leave on a free at the end of this month.

Partey is said to be "cautious" over signing the deal as he is unclear on his squad status amid Martin Zubimendi's arrival from Real Sociedad.

Kepa's wage cut

Prior to joining Bournemouth on loan last season, Kepa Arrizabalaga signed a new contract at Chelsea that lowered his wages.

It helped him seal the move to the south coast and his pending £5m switch to Arsenal.

The Spaniard knows he is joining to compete with David Raya and the club feel he has the right attitude to be back-up.

Mex appeal

Arsenal icon Aaron Ramsey is being targeted by Mexican club Pumas UNAM.

The Welshman took interim charge of boyhood club Cardiff City for the final three games of last season but could not save them from relegation to League One.

The Bluebirds are dithering over whether to hand him to reins on a full-time basis.

His playing contract ends this month and Pumas have reportedly seen an opportunity.

MEX APPEAL

Aaron Ramsey set for shock Mexico transfer with move 'close to confirmation'

New chief to join

Arsenal are set to appoint Matteo Tognozzi in a senior recruitment role, according to reports.

Tognozzi has previously worked with Juventus and Granada.

He is set to assist new sporting director Andrea Berta and James Ellis as head of recruitment.

It comes following Jason Ayto's departure, who filled in on an interim basis after Edu quit.

Sesko in wait

Benjamin Sesko is set to become Arsenal's new No9 and is "now waiting for agreements” over a move.

The RB Leipzig goalscorer is reportedly keen on a move to North London.

Sky Germany claim negotiations between the two clubs have began and Sesko is hopeful a fee can be agreed.

The Bundesliga club received a formal approach from Arsenal yesterday.

Looking ahead

Arsenal may have only just wrapped up the 2024-25 season.

But it is not that long to go until pre-season for the next campaign.

And three fixtures have been confirmed so far in the Far East.

• Arsenal vs AC Milan in Singapore, Weds July 23, 12.30pm UK time
• Arsenal vs Newcastle in Singapore, Sun July 27, 12.30pm UK time
• Arsenal vs Tottenham in Hong Kong, Thurs July 31, 12.30pm UK time

Will I never

Robbie Williams took a cheeky dig at Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Friday night.

The singer was performing at the Gunners' home ground on the second night of his European tour.

The Port Vale fan got Arsenal fans to cheer and those who support a different team to boo.

He then joked: "How far away are Arsenal from a European trophy?

"Four f***ing miles," prompting wild cheers from any Spurs fans in the audience.

In his Diomand

Crystal Palace and Aston Villa have joined Arsenal and Chelsea in the transfer chase for Ousmane Diomande.

Centre-back Diomande, 21, has made a name for himself with his excellent performances for Sporting.

That has earned plenty of interest from clubs in England.

But now reports state Europa League sides Villa and Palace are keen to make approaches for the Gunners and Blues target.

Tuchel: Rice was 'out of rhythm'

Thomas Tuchel revealed he left Declan Rice out of the starting XI against Andorra because he looked "out of rhythm".

England laboured to a drab 1-0 win in Barcelona in their World Cup qualifier.

Rice came on as a late sub but Jordan Henderson started in midfield.

And Tuchel said: “Declan looked a little bit out of rhythm and I think Jordan deserved to play.

“And also for what Jordan brings to this group, well deserved.

"We started well and then lost the rhythm and precision and also the energy to be more decisive and score more goals.

“It is necessary that we look at it and then present in detail to the players what we don’t like, what we want to do better and what are the standards.”