Arsenal plotting ambitious £129m summer overhaul with Newcastle and Leipzig raids on agenda

Arsenal are preparing for another significant recruitment push this summer, with sporting director Andrea Berta identifying two major targets who could cost a combined £129m.

The Gunners are actively monitoring Newcastle's Tino Livramento and RB Leipzig defender Castello Lukeba as they look to strengthen further. This comes after a blockbuster 2025 window where Arsenal invested over £267m in eight arrivals: Viktor Gyokeres, Eberechi Eze, Martin Zubimendi, Noni Madueke, Christian Norgaard, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Piero Hincapie and Cristhian Mosquera.

That recruitment spree has paid dividends. Arsenal currently sit nine points clear of Manchester City in the Premier League title race, chasing their first domestic crown since 2003-04. Despite the strength of their squad, Berta is plotting fresh additions ahead of the summer window.

Livramento leads the queue

Livramento appears to be the priority target. The Newcastle full-back, who can operate on either flank, is being considered as a potential successor to Ben White. The England international is exploring options that would guarantee him more consistent playing time, opening the door for Arsenal to move.

Newcastle value their young defender at £60m, though the Magpies are attempting to tie him down to fresh terms. Both Arsenal and Manchester City are monitoring his situation closely, but the Gunners seem positioned to make the first move.

Lukeba on the radar

Lukeba, the 23-year-old Leipzig centre-back, represents a longer-term investment. The French defender comes with a €80m (£69m) release clause and has attracted interest from Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea as well as Arsenal.

However, Lukeba's immediate pathway to the first team appears less clear. Mikel Arteta already possesses exceptional defensive options, with Gabriel and William Saliba forming his primary partnership. Riccardo Calafiori and Cristhian Mosquera provide capable backup, whilst Piero Hincapie is expected to become a permanent fixture once his loan spell concludes.

Arsenal's interest in both players will likely depend on summer departures and how valuations move. Livramento, though, looks the more imminent arrival given the vacancy left by White's potential exit.