Arsenal are reportedly prepared to accept a £35 million offer from Fulham for 23-year-old midfielder Emile Smith Rowe. Once considered a cornerstone of Mikel Arteta’s project, Smith Rowe has struggled to secure regular playing time in recent seasons, prompting the club to consider offers for his transfer.
The decision to part ways with Smith Rowe aligns with Arsenal’s broader strategy to revamp their squad ahead of the 2025–26 season. The club plans to invest approximately £150 million in new signings, targeting players like Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitike, and Martin Zubimendi. To facilitate these acquisitions, Arsenal are also open to offloading several other players, including Kieran Tierney, Nuno Tavares, and Fabio Vieira.
Smith Rowe’s potential move to Fulham would not only provide him with more consistent playing opportunities but also help Arsenal generate funds for their summer transfer ambitions.
Arsenal are actively preparing for a significant squad overhaul ahead of the 2025–26 season, with several high-profile transfer targets and potential departures on the horizon. Here’s the latest on the Gunners’ transfer activities:
🔄 Transfer Targets
Striker Search Intensifies
Arsenal are prioritizing the acquisition of a new striker, with RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Šeško and Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyökeres at the top of their shortlist.
While Šeško has been extensively evaluated, concerns remain over his £62 million release clause. Gyökeres, favored by Arsenal’s new sporting director Andrea Berta, also has an £85 million clause, though Sporting may accept around £60 million. Arsenal must act swiftly, as interest in Gyökeres intensifies, particularly from Manchester United and Atlético Madrid.
Midfield Reinforcements
The Gunners are reportedly closing in on a deal to sign Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad, with the midfielder ready to join the club in the summer. The move will require triggering his £51 million release clause. However, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Liverpool are also monitoring the situation.
Goalkeeping Options
Arsenal have shortlisted 22-year-old Boca Juniors goalkeeper Leandro Brey as a potential replacement for Aaron Ramsdale. The club has scouted Brey multiple times and received positive reports. While Brey is under contract until 2027, he is reportedly open to a mid-season switch to Arsenal.
🚪 Potential Departures
Gabriel Magalhães
Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr are reportedly preparing a significant bid to sign Arsenal defender Gabriel. While Arsenal are keen to extend his contract beyond 2027, Al Nassr are prepared to offer him a salary around three times his current package.
Aaron Ramsdale
After spending one season as David Raya’s backup, former number one Aaron Ramsdale transferred to Southampton on transfer deadline day. Arsenal are now exploring options to fill the backup goalkeeper role.
🧠 Strategic Leadership
Andrea Berta has been appointed as Arsenal’s new Sporting Director, succeeding Edu Gaspar. Berta’s initial focus includes pursuing high-priority transfer targets such as Viktor Gyökeres and Martin Zubimendi, overseeing contract renewals for key players, and expanding Arsenal’s global scouting infrastructure.
