Done Deal: Arsenal completes another summer transfer signing European striker joins on long-term deal for a fee of £78million

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Arsenal are now preparing to strengthen their squad with the early transfer window already open. The 10-day window will close on June 10, and it will open again in a few weeks for the usual summer transfer window.

Mikel Arteta did not have any deals ready to go, with no deals done yet, but they will be hoping to get at least one wrapped up in this early window, with the bulk of the deals likely to happen in the usual window. Here we round up all the latest news and transfer rumours surrounding the Emirates Stadium.

The BBC’s Sami Mokbel has reported that Sesko has more backing within Arsenal than alternative striker target Viktor Gyokeres. He wrote: “In terms of Gyokeres or Sesko – my information is that the club are working towards confirming the frameworks of both deals before making a final decision on which to proceed with.

“Sesko has near-universal backing at the Emirates but, crucially, will be the more expensive deal. Gyokeres’ chances of moving to Arsenal have increased since Andrea Berta’s appointment as sporting director. Price is key here.

Sesko ticks many boxes in terms of profile, he is younger than Gyokeres and plays in a stronger league (the Bundesliga) according to recruitment data. But some of the reported figures indicate he could cost £93million. Gyokeres is more economical, but would see the club divert from their longer-term strategy given Sesko has always been a target.”

Wright wants Lookman

Arsenal legend Ian Wright believes his old club should sign Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman, who has been linked with a return to the Premier League in recent times. Speaking on his podcast, Wright said: “I’m going to go with Ademola Lookman winning the African Player of the Year in respects of that man’s journey.

“I remember him from Charlton, it didn’t worth out £10 million to Everton, then moving all over the place, the journey from loan to this, then I think that’s one of the most devastating performances I’ve seen in any final with that hat-trick he scored. I hope we can buy him, Arsenal.

I would love someone like him to come back to the Premier League and say, ‘listen, I have unfinished business here so I am going to help Arsenal win the league’. But I just admire his journey and now he’s recognised rightly as a top player, unbelievable.”

Retained list confirmed

Arsenal have confirmed their retained list for the season, with Thomas Partey and Michal Rosiak in discussions over new deals. Meanwhile, Jorginho and Kieran Tierney have been released, though both have already found new clubs in Flamengo and Celtic respectively.

A statement from the Gunners read: “We thank all the players leaving us for their contributions to the club. You will always be part of the Arsenal family and we wish you all the best of health and happiness in your futures. Any further developments regarding players extending their contracts, as well as joining/re-joining, or leaving us, will be officially communicated when confirmed.