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Arsenal turn to Viktor Gyokeres, Benjamin Sesko and Hugo Ekitike to avoid Alexander Isak bidding war - Paper Round
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Published 09/05/2025 at 22:53 GMT+1
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Arsenal have identified Viktor Gyokeres, Benjamin Sesko and Hugo Ekitike as more practical options as they look to avoid a bidding war for Newcastle United forward Alexander Isak, while they hope to keep William Saliba out of Real Madrid’s clutches. Real, meanwhile, appear to be closing in on a three-year deal for Xabi Alonso to replace Carlo Ancelotti, and Jack Wilshere may soon have a new job.
Arteta says guard of honour 'pain' could motivate Arsenal next season
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Arsenal to prioritise cheaper striker
The Sun believes that Arsenal will look to avoid a bidding war for Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak.
Instead, one of Viktor Gyokeres, Benjamin Sesko or Hugo Ekitike could join the £51 million target Martin Zubimendi, who is expected to arrive from Real Sociedad.
The paper writes: "SunSport understands that Arteta is keen to get deals done earlier than usual this summer, especially after the January debacle that saw them spend too long on long-shot targets that they were not able to get over the line.
"It is understood that the first 10 days of the summer window should see £51m midfield signing Martin Zubimendi join from Real Sociedad.
"And significant groundwork will also be made in getting an elite No. 9 nailed down.
"Especially as Sesko, Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres and Newcastle’s Alexander Isak are in high demand by Manchester United, Liverpool and Barcelona."
So, do not be surprised if Arsenal decide to avoid a long, drawn-out bidding war for Isak and go straight for the slightly cheaper options of Sesko or Gyokeres, or even Frankfurt's Hugo Ekitike.
Real Madrid target Saliba
Real Madrid are turning their attention to Arsenal central defender William Saliba, according to the Mirror.
The Frenchman is wanted by his current club, and they plan to offer him a new deal to convince him to stay.
The paper reports: "Arsenal are set to offer William Saliba a new contract amid interest from Real Madrid in the player. The Gunners do not want to lose Saliba, who is seen as a key part of their future plans.
"The French defender last signed a deal in 2023, alongside the likes of Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka. The 24-year-old is now firmly on the agenda of new sporting director Andrea Berta as he attempts to tie down the club’s top assets, with talks with Saka also expected.
"Saliba has previously calmed fears that he could leave the Emirates this summer by suggesting he won’t move until the Gunners win a major trophy.
"There has been little opportunity to relax, however, with Real Madrid persistently linked. Saliba is said to be a top priority for Los Blancos."
Wilshere attracts interest after leaving Norwich
Jack Wilshere has decided to leave Norwich City after being passed over for the permanent manager’s job.
However, The Athletic believes that he will not be out of work for too long, with the former Arsenal man attracting interest.
The website explains: "Jack Wilshere is leaving Norwich City after the club opted against appointing him as their next head coach.
"The former Arsenal midfielder took interim charge of the club’s last two games of the season after the departure of Johannes Hoff Thorup, leading them to a goalless draw against Middlesbrough and a 4-2 win over Cardiff City respectively.
"The club have chosen to look externally for their next hire and as a result, Wilshere has now decided to depart.
"The 33-year-old will take some time to consider his options before looking to pursue head coaching opportunities elsewhere with interest already building from other clubs."
Alonso expected to sign Real deal
The Evening Standard relays reports from Spain that suggest Xabi Alonso is on course to sign for his former club Real Madrid as their new manager.
With Carlo Ancelotti expected to leave at the end of the Liga season, Alonso could step in ahead of the Club World Cup.
The paper notes: "Xabi Alonso has confirmed he will be leaving his role as Bayer Leverkusen head coach at the end of the season as speculation over replacing Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid heats up.
"The Spaniard’s contract with the Bundesliga outfit still had two years left to run, but the club have agreed to an early termination that will see Alonso depart after a spell that lasted more than two and a half years.
"If reports are to be believed, this announcement means the 43-year-old is one step closer to becoming the next Real Madrid manager.
"Spanish publication Marca have recently claimed Ancelotti will bid farewell to Los Blancos following their final game of the season against Real Sociedad on May 25, with Alonso ready to sign a three-year contract to succeed the legendary Italian."
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