Arsenal’s transfer window is shaping up to be an interesting one. While initial hopes of a Kylian Mbappé domino effect leading to a loan for PSG’s Xavi Simons seem to have faded, the Gunners are actively exploring other options.

LEIPZIG, GERMANY - JANUARY 13: Xavi Simons of Leipzig in action during the Bundesliga match between RB Leipzig and Eintracht Frankfurt at Red Bull Arena on January 13, 2024 in Leipzig, Germany. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)
LEIPZIG, GERMANY – JANUARY 13: Xavi Simons of Leipzig in action during the Bundesliga match between RB Leipzig and Eintracht Frankfurt at Red Bull Arena on January 13, 2024 in Leipzig, Germany. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)

Arsenal fans looking forward to a Kylian Mbappé domino effect on the transfer market might be disappointed. While the French superstar’s likely move to Real Madrid this summer opens a potential loan avenue for young PSG talent Xavi Simons, reports suggest the Parisians might hold onto the promising midfielder with Mbappé departing.

Simons’ impressive loan spell at RB Leipzig this season, coupled with PSG coach Luis Enrique‘s reported admiration, seems to have solidified his position in the French capital. So, the Gunners will need to continue their search for fresh talent elsewhere.

Mika Biereth celebrating a goal for Sturm Graz (Photo via Sturm Graz on Twitter)
Mika Biereth celebrating a goal for Sturm Graz (Photo via Sturm Graz on Twitter)

On the striker front, Mika Biereth‘s loan spell at SK Sturm Graz has been a success story. The Danish U21 international has netted eight goals in just 11 appearances, prompting the Austrian club to pursue a permanent transfer.

While Sturm Graz’s sporting director, Andreas Schicker, acknowledges their desire to keep Biereth, he admits the player’s impressive form has attracted significant interest. An Arsenal representative is expected to visit Austria soon to discuss Biereth’s future, but his return to the Emirates seems likely for now.

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Sporting Lisbon's Swedish forward #09 Viktor Gyokeres celebrates scoring during the Portuguese League football match between Rio Ave FC and Sporting CP at the Rio Ave FC - Dos Arcos stadium in Vila do Conde, on February 25, 2024. (Photo by MIGUEL RIOPA/AFP via Getty Images)
Sporting Lisbon’s Swedish forward #09 Viktor Gyokeres celebrates scoring during the Portuguese League football match between Rio Ave FC and Sporting CP at the Rio Ave FC – Dos Arcos stadium in Vila do Conde, on February 25, 2024. (Photo by MIGUEL RIOPA/AFP via Getty Images)

Arsenal also appear to have set their sights on two Portuguese stars: defender Ousmane Diomande and striker Viktor Gyokeres. Diomande has been a long-term target, and his progress since joining Sporting Lisbon in January 2023 seems to have further impressed the Gunners.

FARO, PORTUGAL - JULY 19: Ousmane Diomande of Sporting CP before the start of the Pre-Season Friendly match between Sporting CP and KRC Genk at Estadio Algarve on July 19, 2023 in Faro, Portugal. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)
FARO, PORTUGAL – JULY 19: Ousmane Diomande of Sporting CP before the start of the Pre-Season Friendly match between Sporting CP and KRC Genk at Estadio Algarve on July 19, 2023 in Faro, Portugal. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)

Gyokeres, on the other hand, has caught Arsenal‘s eye with his prolific goalscoring record – 36 goals and 14 assists – for Sporting this season. However, securing either player will be a significant financial challenge. Both have hefty release clauses – €80m for Diomande and €100m for Gyokeres – and are attracting attention from other top European clubs. If Arsenal wants to land these players, they’ll need to be prepared to spend big.

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