Arsenal set for stunning Real Madrid battle as Mikel Arteta sent new £55m transfer message

Latest Arsenal transfer news and rumours with updates on Bayer Leverkusen's Florian Wirtz and RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko coming to light

Arsenal's latest Champions League performance could prove decisive in the long-term for Mikel Arteta and Edu. The Gunners welcomed Paris Saint-Germain to Emirates Stadium on Tuesday evening with goals from Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka sending them back to France having lost their first game of the season.

Over the last 12 months, Arsenal's defensive dominance has become clear for all to see with Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba arguably the best centre-back partnership in the world. The duo are also supported by the likes of Ben White, Riccardo Calafiori and Jurrien Timber which gives the Gunners excellent foundations.

At the opposite end of the pitch, though they are clinical in front of goal, many believe a few marquee attacking signings are needed. While Havertz is doing an excellent job at the tip of attack, he is not a natural goal-scorer and Arteta is still on the lookout for a game-changing versatile forward.

With that in mind, football.london has rounded up some of the latest Arsenal transfer news and rumours with new updates emerging on two potential targets to fill both of those voids.

Arsenal in Wirtz battle

Real Madrid are the frontrunners to sign Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer of 2025, according to German outlet Sports Bild. However, the report also states that Arsenal have a "good chance" of signing the Germany international.

Wirtz has been in fine form again this season with four goals and one assist to his name already. Because of his quality, interested suitors may be required to pay over £100million to sign him especially with his contract not up until 2027.

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football.london says: "What a statement signing this would be from Arsenal. Beating a team like Real Madrid to Wirtz's signature would also be another huge statement of intent having already seen Declan Rice, Jurrien Timber and David Raya opt to play for Arsenal over Bayern Munich."

"Exactly where he fits into Arteta's system is unclear but when you have a player of that quality at your disposal, you find a way to include him. Though the 21-year-old is predominantly deployed by Xabi Alonso as one of his inside No.10s, he can play out wide or even as the false 9.

"Given his age and the undeniable promise he has already shown, Arsenal would be getting a gem in Wirtz and it could go a long way to the Gunners enjoying some domestic dominance."

Sesko message

Benjamin Sesko grabbed his second and third Champions League goals of this campaign in RB Leipzig's 3-2 defeat to 10-man Juventus on Wednesday.

The Slovenian had already scored in his side's opening European clash of the season against Atletico Madrid with another three goal contributions arriving this past weekend against Augsburg before his brace against the Italian giants.

For his opening goal, Sesko made an excellent run beyond the Juventus backline before firing home Lois Openda's inch-perfect via the cross bar. The 21-year-old then showed his composure from the penalty spot to put Leipzig back in front following a Dusan Vlahovic equaliser.

football.london says: "If Arsenal and Arteta weren't already aware of Sesko's quality, they certainly are now. His displays at Euro 2024 were mixed but it's becoming quite clear now how important it is for him to have quality players around him.

"At Leipzig, surrounded by Xavi Simons and Openda, Sesko's best qualities are on display but his individual moments of excellence are being let down by Leipzig's defenders. Based on current evidence, that won't be happening at Arsenal if he decides to make that move and if Arteta is still keen on him, a move next summer is certainly an option.

"The £55million release clause appears to no longer be in play, given he has signed a new contract, however even if an extra £20million is chucked onto his asking price, it will prove worthwhile in the long run to give Arteta the natural centre-forward he is craving."

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