Arsenal have entered talks to sign striker Benjamin Sesko, with the forward ready to leave Bundesliga side RB Leipzig.
Talks are at an initial stage, with the Gunners keen to strengthen in attack after missing out on silverware last season.
They previously had offers for Sesko, 21, rejected in May last year and during the most recent January transfer window.
However, he will not come cheaply, with The Telegraph having reported that Mikel Arteta’s side must pay Leipzig’s asking price of £92.5million to secure the services of the Slovenia international.
The north Londoners previously looked to bolster their forward options in January as they put in offers for Sesko and Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins, both of which were rejected.
Arteta was left short in the final third of the pitch for the second half of the season when Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz both suffered serious injuries in January and February respectively.
Slovenian forward Benjamin Sesko has long been the subject of interest from the Gunners
Mikel Arteta is keen to bolster his options in attack as he harbours hopes of another title charge
They were also without Bukayo Saka for much of the 2024-25 campaign, after he suffered a hamstring injury that required surgery just before Christmas.
His fellow winger Gabriel Martinelli was also absent at various points, forcing Arteta to deploy Mikel Merino – usually a midfielder – as a makeshift striker.
While Merino did put up impressive numbers in his unfamiliar role, scoring nine goals and contributing five assists, a lack of depth in attack ultimately saw Arsenal fade away in the title race.
Although they were impressive in knocking out holders Real Madrid en route to the Champions League semi-finals, they came unstuck against PSG.
However, the potential signing of Sesko would represent a major coup for Arsenal, who have a new sporting director in Andrea Berta this summer following the mid-season departure of Edu.
Berta, who was previously in a similar role at Atletico Madrid, has already been busy identifying potential targets.
Another player he is reportedly close to landing is Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, who is claimed to be set for a medical before his move to England is finalised, according to BBC Sport.
Arsenal have been heavily linked with a move for Zubimendi, who has a reported release clause of £51million.
The Gunners suffered in the second half of last season after injuries to Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus left them short of attacking firepower
They are also reportedly close to landing Real Sociedad midfleder Martin Zubimendi
Mail Sport reported earlier in the season that the Gunners had stolen a march on their rivals for his services.
All payment structures regarding a deal for the 26-year-old have already been agreed between Arsenal and Sociedad.
A product of Real Sociedad’s youth system, Zubimendi has gone on to play 236 times for the club, while he has scored ten goals.
Zubimendi won the Copa del Rey with Sociedad, while he has enjoyed success on the international stage with Spain, winning Euro 2024 and the 2022-23 edition of the Nations League.
He previously played with current Arsenal stars Martin Odegaard and Mikel Merino at Sociedad and is international team-mates with David Raya.
With Jorginho leaving the club, Zubimendi’s arrival will add to Arsenal’s options in midfield.
Last year Zubimendi turned down the opportunity to join Liverpool but he will now get the chance to test himself in the Premier League.
It is expected that his arrival will reduce Arsenal’s reliance on Thomas Partey, who is in talks over a new contract.
