Mikel Arteta makes surprise Arsenal transfer 'demand'

Cameron Smith

• 10 Mar 2026 04:30 CDT
• 3 min read

News

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has reportedly set his sights on completing the signing of Levante striker Karl Etta Eyong during the upcoming summer transfer window.

The Gunners bolstered their attack with the addition of Sporting CP centre forward Viktor Gyokeres last year, but he has struggled to adapt to life in the Premier League and the north London giants have subsequently been linked with a number of potential replacements.

Atletico Madrid superstar Julian Alvarez is understood to be Arsenal’s priority target for 2026, although Arteta is instead eager for the club to finalise a surprise deal for Eyong, whose current contract at Levante includes a €40 million release clause.

That is according to a report from Spanish publication Fichajes, who claim that Arteta has requested the signing of Eyong as he looks to replace Gyokeres as Arsenal’s preferred striker next season.

Barcelona, Chelsea, Manchester United, Real Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur have also been linked with a move for the 22-year-old in recent months, while CSKA Moscow submitted several unsuccessful offers during the winter window in a bid to secure his signature.

However, the Cameroon international favoured a summer move to one of Europe’s biggest clubs and he is set to be the subject of significant transfer interest ahead of the 2026-27 season, with Arsenal likely to be among the clubs involved in the race for his signature.

In addition to Gyokeres, Arsenal also have Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz as centre forward options available to Arteta, although the former has been widely tipped to depart the Emirates Stadium this year and the latter has struggled to stay fully fit over the past 12 months.

Verdict: Will Arsenal sign Karl Etta Eyong

While Arteta has reportedly “demanded” the signing of Eyong this summer, a deal seems somewhat unlikely given Arsenal’s investment in Gyokeres last year.

Furthermore, the 22-year-old has only scored six goals in 25 La Liga appearances so far this season and a move for the aforementioned Alvarez seems far more likely given his pedigree at the highest level.

In addition, Arsenal are also expected to pursue a new winger, a new central midfielder and a new full-back this summer, meaning transfer funds to spend on a striker could feasibly be limited.

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