Arsenal Target Dortmund's Adeyemi as Martinelli Understudy in £52m Summer Swoop

Karim Adeyemi has emerged as a prime target for Arsenal's summer recruitment drive, with the Gunners' sporting director Andrea Berta reportedly prepared to sanction a €60million (£52m) move for the Borussia Dortmund attacker.

The 24-year-old German international has been a fixture in Dortmund's ranks since arriving from FC Red Bull Salzburg in summer 2022, and remains contracted to the Bundesliga side until 2027. In his four seasons at the club, Adeyemi has accumulated 36 goals and 24 assists across 144 appearances in all competitions, establishing himself as a reliable attacking asset.

This term has seen him contribute 10 goals and five assists in 37 outings across all tournaments, showcasing the kind of output that has caught Mikel Arteta's eye.

What makes Adeyemi particularly attractive to Arsenal is his multifaceted attacking skill set. The forward can slot in as a centre-forward, second striker, right winger or left winger—precisely the kind of positional flexibility that modern Premier League football demands. His explosive pace and prowess on the counter-attack align perfectly with Arteta's transitional football philosophy, positioning him as what scouts term a "joker" capable of providing immediate competition for Gabriel Martinelli.

Dortmund have signalled their willingness to part with Adeyemi for the mooted fee, with the German club keen to balance their books and undertake a comprehensive squad rebuild during the off-season.

However, Arsenal face a rival suitor in Manchester United. The Red Devils, poised to finish in the Premier League's top five, are expected to lodge an official proposal once the summer window opens.

Adeyemi himself appears open to the prospect of leaving Dortmund, though he has set his wage expectations between £150,000 and £180,000 weekly should he join either Arsenal or Manchester United.

The timing of Arsenal's interest coincides with Martinelli's diminished role under Arteta this season. The Brazilian winger, 24, has managed just a handful of Premier League starts and six Champions League appearances for the north London outfit in 2025/26—a notable decline from his previous importance to the side. Martinelli remains tied to Arsenal until summer 2027, with a further optional year available.