Advertisement
Arsenal transfer news: Neto interest, Zubimendi situation and latest updates
18th August, 2026 05:14 PM
Arsenal are heading into the final weeks of the summer transfer window with Mikel Arteta still looking to strengthen his squad ahead of the 2026/27 Premier League campaign.
The Gunners enter the new season with confidence after defeating Manchester City 3-0 in the Community Shield on Sunday, August 16, 2026. Their league campaign begins on Friday when they host newly promoted Coventry City.
Arsenal continue to monitor Pedro Neto
Arsenal have reportedly maintained their interest in Chelsea winger Pedro Neto as they search for another attacking option.
Chelsea are understood to have raised their valuation of the Portugal international to £100 million (approximately Ksh17.52 billion). The Blues had previously placed a price tag of around £70 million on the 26-year-old, but the transfer fees paid for other attacking players have reportedly influenced their latest valuation.
Neto joined Chelsea from Wolverhampton Wanderers for £54 million and has since made 103 appearances for the London club. His ability to operate on the right flank and as a wing-back has made him an attractive option.
Arsenal are not alone in their interest, with Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur also monitoring the situation. Arteta is reportedly keen on Neto after Arsenal struggled to complete several other attacking targets during the summer.
Defensive reinforcements remain on Arsenal’s agenda
The north London club are also considering another defensive addition before the transfer deadline.
Arsenal have continued discussions regarding Ezri Konsa after their second proposal for the Aston Villa defender failed to meet the club’s £60 million (approximately Ksh10.51 billion) valuation.
The Gunners have also held preliminary discussions with Atletico Madrid regarding Marc Pubill, although no formal proposal has reportedly been submitted for the defender.
Zubimendi linked with £78m valuation
Attention has also turned to Martin Zubimendi, with Arsenal reportedly facing a £78 million (approximately Ksh13.66 billion) valuation for the midfielder.
There has also been speculation involving Real Madrid and Jose Mourinho, with Mourinho’s reported position on the situation adding another twist to the transfer story.
Arsenal will have to decide whether pursuing the midfielder represents good value as they continue shaping their squad for the new campaign.
Martinelli set to remain at Arsenal
Gabriel Martinelli appears increasingly likely to stay at the Emirates Stadium after rejecting interest from Galatasaray.
The Turkish club reportedly submitted a £38.4 million (approximately Ksh6.73 billion) offer for the Brazilian winger, but the proposal was turned down.
Martinelli’s decision indicates that he remains committed to Arsenal unless a more attractive opportunity arrives before the window closes.
Arsenal still want attacking and defensive additions
Despite completing several deals during the summer, Arsenal are reportedly not finished with their recruitment.
The club’s immediate priority remains strengthening the attack, particularly on the left side. However, their plans could change if an opportunity emerges to sign a suitable right-sided forward.
Longer-term targets reportedly include Kenan Yildiz and Julian Alvarez, although Arsenal are monitoring how the transfer market develops before deciding whether either player becomes attainable.
The Gunners are also expected to continue searching for a defender, with reports suggesting they would ideally like to complete both an attacking and defensive signing before the September 1 deadline.
With the Premier League season about to begin, Arteta and Arsenal’s recruitment team face an important final stretch of the transfer window as they attempt to build a squad capable of challenging for major honours.
