Arsenal transfer news: Phone call could cost Zubimendi as Ian Wright makes plea

Arsenal have been chasing Martin Zubimendi but Real Madrid are looking to swoop in and steal a march as Ian Wright urges the Gunners to consider a move for Ademola Lookman

Arsenal are yet to make a signing this summer but there is plenty bubbling away at the Emirates with several new faces on their radar. A new striker is a priority for Mikel Arteta and co as they look to end their Premier League wait.

Benjamin Sesko is their prime target as they look to land a No 9 who can be a regular supply of goals. Just behind him and Martin Zubimendi is also on their radar having been a long-term target. It was previously reported that an agreement was close, but that could no longer the case.

A cut-price deal for Kepa Arrizabalaga, the Chelsea star who remains the world's most expensive goalkeeper, is also in the pipeline. The Spaniard could be available for just £5million.

Arteta has also seen several players leave this summer, the likes of Jorginho and Kieran Tierney, which means a lot of experience has left the building. Thomas Partey's deal expires in June but talks are ongoing regarding an extension. Here's the latest news coming out of north London.

Zubimendi phone call could curtail transfer

Arsenal are sweating on a move for Real Sociedad midfielder Zubimendi after Real Madrid stepped up their interest in the Spain international, according to reports. Zubimendi has been strongly linked with a move to the Emirates and it was thought a deal was practically agreed ahead of the summer transfer window.

According to Marca, a deal for Zubimendi has become more complicated after Madrid joined the chase for the player, with "real interest" from Xabi Alonso's side as they bid to replace the outgoing Luka Modric.

Zubimendi will now be eager to sort out his future, which remains up in the air despite appearing destined for Arsenal. The report from Marca claims he received a phone call from Madrid that has "changed everything".

Wright's transfer wish

Ian Wright has urged Arsenal to sign Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman this summer, stating that the Nigerian has “unfinished business” in the Premier League. Now 27, he has spent the past three seasons with Serie A overachievers Atalanta, where his performances have caught the eye - not least his stunning hat-trick in the Europa League final 12 months ago.

Gunners legend Wright named Lookman as a player he would like to see at the Emirates Stadium next season. The former striker was asked about some of his favourite moments of the season on his Wrighty’s House podcast earlier this month. He 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 work out [the] £10million [move] 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'."

Lineker surprised by Delap stance

Gary Lineker has expressed his surprise that Arsenal overlooked Liam Delap in their quest for a new striker. The 22-year-old forward recently joined Chelsea from Ipswich Town. The Gunners have identified signing a new number nine as a priority in the summer transfer window but opted against going after Delap - instead identifying the likes of Viktor Gyokeres and Sesko.

"Delap to Chelsea, interesting one," Lineker said on The Rest Is Football podcast. "I thought maybe Arsenal would go for him. Perhaps they did, I don't know, but Chelsea have got their man.

"We'd said, didn't we, many times that Chelsea needed backup for [Nicolas] Jackson up top or an alternative. I think he's a young, exciting centre forward. I saw someone, I can't remember who it was, said they saw a bit of a young Alan Shearer in him."