Andrea Berta sent £50m transfer instruction as surprise Arsenal approach 'turned down'

Arsenal are preparing for the 2025/26 season with high hopes of finally securing the Premier League title after a string of near misses.

Gunners head coach Mikel Arteta has previously admitted that the 24/25 campaign was challenging for his team, given their lofty ambitions. Despite another second-place finish in the top-flight, they finished significantly behind eventual champions Liverpool.

However, there's a palpable wave of optimism sweeping over the Emirates Stadium this summer, with the belief that the current transfer window could bring in the necessary additions to end Arsenal's league title drought. One such acquisition is Sweden striker Viktor Gyokeres, who finalised a high-profile move from Sporting.

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Other new additions this summer include midfielder Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad, who the Basque outfit could not hold onto due to a €60million (£51m) release clause in his contract. Brentford skipper Christian Norgaard has also joined the club, arriving for £15m, along with goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga from nearby Chelsea.

Below are some of the latest Arsenal headlines, as well as a view on each one;

Arsenal told Martinelli worth

Micah Richards has offered his view on Gyokeres - as he also urged Arteta to replace Gabriel Martinelli. According to The Athletic, if sold, the Gunners would reportedly want at least £50m for the Brazilian.

"How many times have we said Arsenal need a new striker? We said it every week last season," he told .

"They've needed one for a while now. I still believe they need a left winger as well, they have been linked with Eze haven't they. I think Martinelli can definitely do a job but he's more of an impact player right now, great to have off the bench, so if they could get Eze that would be amazing.

"In terms of Gyokeres, I think it's a very good signing but I still think there are question marks if he can do it at this level, consistently. I've watched loads of videos of him and I think he's really good with his movement, he's a really clever striker.

"I don't think people should expect him to hold the ball up really well because I saw some times when it came off him but he still scored two goals in the match - so he got lots of praise. He will cause teams problems though and he's exactly what Arsenal needed, for sure."

Isaac Seelochan from football.london says: "It has become clear, in recent seasons, that Martinelli won't offer Arsenal the attacking output needed for them to win the Premier League title.

"That's why an offer to sell him must be tempting, especially if they can use those funds to sign Eze from Crystal Palace this summer. Time is running out, though."

Arsenal in surprise transfer blow

French publication Footmercato claim that Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet was targeted by Arsenal at the start of the transfer window but declined the approach.

The 20-year-old - who spent the first part of the 2024/25 season on loan at Clermont Foot - returned to Rennes in February and made 11 Ligue 1 appearances, missing just three matches since his return.

Isaac Seelochan from football.london says: "I'm not sure that missing out on Jacquet would be a big deal for Arsenal. The Gunners are well-stocked in defence - and should use any remaining funds to sign another winger."