Arsenal decide next two transfer priorities after £51m agreement and Marc Guehi problem

Arsenal have made their forward line a priority this summer - but are also looking to strengthen their defence. Gunners sporting director Andrea Berta has surprised agents with just how many calls and meetings he has set up in this window.

They have already identified RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko as a top target while Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyökeres and Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins are in the mix.

Arsenal have agreed a £51m deal for Martin Zubimendi and have made overtures for an elite left winger as they have held discussions on Real Madrid's Rodrygo with Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams set to join Barcelona.

But Berta is also in the market for a defender as they look for options which will mean potentially offloading players to bring new faces into the Emirates.

They made strong moves for Dean Huijsen before the Spain international swapped Bournemouth for Real Madrid but that deal hit the buffers because it was obvious that William Saliba and Gabriel will be Arsenal’s first choice pairing.

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That would also be a stumbling block for Crystal Palace ’s in-demand Marc Guehi and that has gone nowhere so far as a result. Guehi only has one year left on his Palace deal but has the World Cup next year and needs to make the right move or stay put with Liverpool watching developments closely.

They have also tracked Ajax’s versatile defender Jorrel Hato having had such success with the signing of Jurrien Timber two years ago. However, it is clear that Arsenal are looking at options and, while Gabriel has just signed a new deal, Saliba now has two years left and all of Europe’s top clubs will be paying close attention.

The soundings are that Saliba is very happy and wants to stay. But Arsenal will not allow his contract to run down to potentially lose him on the cheap. They also want strong cover and back-up in defence because last season they were stretched in defence when injuries hit.

Jakub Kiwior filled in well for Gabriel but Arsenal have had interest in him from Italy and there may be a chance to upgrade which is what Berta may be doing with a string of discussions and talks over defenders.

They would have to offload the likes of Kiwior and Oleksandr Zinchenko to help fund new moves while Kieran Tierney has left on a free and negotiations are ongoing over Thomas Partey whose contract is about to expire.

Arsenal may also have to sacrifice one of their wide players - there has been interest reported from Bayern Munich in Gabriel Martinelli as well as the Saudi Pro League in Leandro Trossard - to help fund a top winning on the wing.

They are braced for a big summer spending but still have to balance the books and Berta is getting very busy across different areas.

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