Arsenal’s £97m Bid for Top Striker Accepted, Medical Scheduled
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is eager to strengthen the squad and has shown a personal interest in signing a Premier League rival’s star player, who is reportedly pushing for a summer exit.
Recent reports suggested tension between Arteta and new sporting director Andrea Berta over recruitment plans. However, Arteta clarified that both are aligned on the club’s strategy. Berta’s arrival from Atlético Madrid brings valuable experience, but Arteta remains focused on his own transfer priorities.
Journalist Simon Phillips recently noted that Arteta favors signing RB Leipzig forward Benjamin Šeško over Viktor Gyökeres, whom Arsenal previously failed to sign. Arteta is also interested in Athletic Bilbao’s Oihan Sancet, who has scored 17 goals and could be available for his £67m release clause.
Now, according to The Sun and journalist Anthony Chapman, Chelsea winger Christopher Nkunku is the latest target on Arteta’s radar. Despite scoring 14 goals, Nkunku hasn’t been a regular under Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca and is reportedly open to leaving.
Arteta sees Nkunku as a versatile and valuable addition to Arsenal’s attacking options. While his weekly wage of £195,000 is significant, Chelsea are reportedly willing to let him go for £35 million—£17 million less than they paid in 2023. Arsenal legend Thierry Henry previously praised Nkunku, and Arteta appears to agree, although it’s uncertain whether Chelsea will sell to a direct rival.
