'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Arsenal are putting together plans for the new campaign, after faltering in the title race in the 2023-24 season. Mikel Arteta's team finished second, behind Manchester City, for the second straight year.
Meanwhile, the Gunners have suffered a setback in their efforts to bring Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee to the Emirates this summer. Elsewhere, defender Gabriel has expressed a desire to join Corinthians.
On that note, here's a look at the key Arsenal transfer stories as on June 8, 2024:
Arsenal suffer Joshua Zirkzee blow
AC Milan have jumped ahead of the queue in the race to sign Joshua Zirkzee this summer, according to Caught Offside. The Dutch striker is a sought-after man this year, thanks to his exploits with Bologna. Zirkzee ended the 2023-24 campaign with 12 goals and seven assists in 37 outings across competitions.
Trending
His performances have caused a stir at the Emirates. Recent reports have suggested that Arsenal have established contact with the player's agent to facilitate a move this summer. However, it appears that the Rossoneri are posing a problem to their plans.
The Serie A giants are eager to win the race for the 23-year-old and are ready to trigger his release clause. The player reportedly prefers to stay in Italy and is willing to move to the San Siro. The Gunners, as such, may have to turn their attention to alternate targets.
Gabriel wants to join Corinthians
Gabriel has admitted that he is eager to join Corinthians. The Brazilian defender has been an indispensable part of Arsenal's starting XI in recent seasons.
Gabriel registered 50 appearances across competitions in the 2023-24 campaign, forging a rock-solid partnership with William Saliba at the heart of Arteta's backline. However, the Gunners have been linked with a move for Sporting defender Ousmane Diomande recently, hinting that Arteta could be open to an upgrade.
Speaking recently, as cited by The Mirror, Gabriel outlined his love for Corinthians and insisted that he would join them immediately if he has the choice.
“Corinthians, that’s since I was born, and, today, I don’t think it has to be any different. I still go to Corinthians games by train. It’s my dream, I want to play for Corinthians. I want to feel that energy," said Gabriel.
He continued:
“It’s something to think about. Sometimes I stop and think, ‘Do you dream of playing for Corinthians?’ I do. ‘When would you play for Corinthians?’ For me, I’d be at Corinthians tomorrow. I hope it doesn’t take too long because I want to feel the energy of those fans, who are incredible, as soon as possible.”
The 26-year-old's contract at the Emirates runs till 2027.
Benjamin Sesko no longer a priority for Gunners, says journalist
Arsenal are no longer pushing to complete a move for Benjamin Sesko this summer, according to journalist Dharmesh Sheth. The Slovenian striker enjoyed an impressive 2023-24 campaign with RB Leipzig, registering 18 goals and two assists in 42 games across competitions.
The Gunners are looking for a new No. 9 this summer, and recent reports have suggested that they have set their sights on the 21-year-old. Arteta is apparently unimpressed by Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah, both of whom could leave the Emirates this summer.
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Sheth added that Brentford hitman Ivan Toney could also be an option for Arteta this summer.
“I think a striker could be an area where they will look at. There was lots of talk earlier on in the year about Ivan Toney, how much money Brentford would try and command in a transfer fee for him. With one year left on his contract, is that something that maybe Arsenal could pursue?" said Sheth.
He continued:
“Or are they looking for a younger profile of player? The name Benjamin Sesko won't go away. The information I've got at the moment is it's not that hot at the moment, but that's not to say that Arsenal won't be pursuing someone like Sesko as the window develops.”
Arsenal could face competition from Chelsea for the services of both Sesko and Toney.
