All the latest Arsenal news and transfer gossip, including updates on Nico Williams, Riccardo Calafiori and – of course – the Euros
Leeds United star Archie Gray
Leeds United star Archie Gray
Hello and welcome to football.london’s dedicated Arsenal blog!
As Euro 2024 enters the knockout stages, Mikel Arteta will be stepping up his preparations for pre-season in north London. The Spaniard will certainly want to strengthen his squad this summer after missing out on the Premier League title on the final day of the season.
The Gunners continue to be linked with some big names but, for now, it’s unclear whether or not Edu will splash the cash. Last year, they forked out almost a quarter of billions pounds on Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber alone.
After heavily investing in two midfielders and a defender, maybe Arteta may look to sign a striker this summer? Victor Osimhen continues to be mooted with a move to the English top flight, but his price tag could prove to be a stumbling block for lots of clubs.
So, with that being said, stay with us at football.london as we keep you up to date on all things Arsenal!
Kieran Horn
Arsenal receive dream transfer boost after Newcastle approach
Though Arsenal’s hopes of signing Alexander Isak or Bruno Guimaraes looked to have disintegrated, a shocking Newcastle decision has provided some hope. Ahead of the June 30 PSR deadline, the Magpies still need to sanction a sale and appear to be going to desperate measures to do exactly that.
Over the weekend, reports emerged that Newcastle offered Liverpool the chance to sign Anthony Gordon while also asking for Jarell Quansah in the deal. The Reds turned down the approach, however, it was a very clear sign of what Newcastle feel they must do to avoid any potential punishment.
According to The Athletic, they must complete sales before tomorrow to avoid a potential points sanction next season. The Magpies would prefer for that to arrive through the exit of Yankuba Minteh, however that may not be possible considering their attempts to try and sell Gordon and Arsenal could benefit as such.
Arsenal sent FFP points deduction update
Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur’s Premier League rivals Newcastle United are reportedly in a race against the clock to avoid Financial Fair Play (FFP) sanctions this weekend.
Sunday, June 30 is an unofficial deadline for most Premier League clubs as it marks the end of their financial year. This means clubs have until tomorrow to make deals which shall positively impact their finances and ensure they are compliant with the Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).
According to The Athletic, the Magpies desperately need to complete sales before tomorrow to avoid a potential points sanction next season.
Newcastle United’s St James’ Park
Neville makes England prediction
Speaking on The Overlap podcast, Gary Neville has backed Cole Palmer to start ahead of Bukayo Saka when England face Slovakia on Sunday afternoon. The former Manchester United defender said: “I think I would probably bring him in for Saka, and I love Saka to bits.
“I love Saka, but I honestly think Palmer just has to be given a game. I think he has to be given. I don’t know. Just something tells me. The way he played for 20 minutes the other night, he deserves it I think.”
Cole Palmer of England
Kieran Horn
Archie Gray medical ahead of £35m transfer
Arsenal look set to lose out on the signing of Archie Gray from Leeds United.
According to the Athletic, Gray is set for medical at Brentford after agreeing terms to join from the Whites. It has also been claimed that if all goes to plan, the Bees will pay a £35million fee after beating off interest from the Gunners, Chelsea, Tottenham and numerous others.
Archie Gray (Leeds United) is scratching his head before the SkyBet Championship Playoff Final between Leeds United and Southampton at Wembley Stadium in London, on May 26, 2024.
Kieran Horn
Arsenal learn double Calafiori transfer update
Arsenal have been handed a double update on transfer target Riccardo Calafiori.
Liverpool are interested in the Italy and Bologna star but a fresh update on Leny Yoro, a defender also linked to the Reds, could change matters.
According to Spanish outlet MARCA, Real Madrid have decided not to pay Lille’s €40million asking price. With that in mind, Liverpool could focus their efforts back on the teenager and thus give the Gunners a free run at Calafiori.
However, it may not play out like that with the Spanish giants said to be eyeing Calafiori if they do not agree a move for Yoro.
Arsenal have been given two huge updates transfer target Riccardo Calafiori Tottenham’s advantage over Arsenal in Archie Gray transfer battle
Arsenal’s north London rivals Tottenham are also interested in signing Leeds United star Archie Gray.
The young defender impressed in the Championship last season with it therefore no surprise transfer interest has arrived. Chelsea are also eyeing a potential move for Gray but it could be Spurs that have the advantage.
football.london understands that Leeds and Spurs are casting an eye over a number of each others’ players this summer with potential moves in mind. Joe Rodon spent last season on loan at Elland Road with Oliver Skipp one player that could head to Leeds for a potential reunion with Daniel Farke.
With the Lilywhites having two players of interest to the Whites, Spurs’ advantage over Arsenal, at least in the eyes of Leeds, appears clear.
Archie Gray of Leeds United.
Jake Stokes
Saka heaps praise on Man City ace!
Bukayo Saka has named Kyle Walker as one of the most difficult defenders he’s played against. Speaking to talkSPORT, the Arsenal winger said: “I think Kyle Walker is definitely up there.
“If you ask most wingers, coming up against him is a very tough challenge and now most of the time, he is playing behind me, so that’s nice to have that confidence that behind you is someone so strong like that, so feel free to attack.”
Arsenal star Bukayo Saka in action.
Jake Stokes
Arsenal urged to sign Man United ace
Speaking to Bet365, Gilberto Silva said: “Casemiro could be a good fit for Arsenal, let’s wait and see what happens. It would be very interesting if Thomas Partey left the club.
“If that spot becomes available then it would be interesting to see Casemiro there, he would bring a very strong and stable option to their midfield.”
The former Arsenal midfielder added: “I think he still has the ability and capacity to stay in the Premier League, whether he’s going to be in United or any other club.
“It depends what he and the club want to do. I hope he can find a club that matches his expectations…”
Manchester United midfielder Casemiro
Jake Stokes
Arsenal to secure windfall from Chelsea transfer
According to the BBC, Ipswich Town are set to sign Omari Hutchinson for a club record fee, subject to a medical. The 20-year-old winger is expected to complete a move worth an initial £20m, with a further £2.5m potentially due subject to performance-related add-ons.
The report states that Arsenal had a 15% sell-on clause after offloading Hutchinson to Chelsea in July 2022, so the Gunners will earn around £3m from his transfer. The Blues have secured 25% sell-on and matching rights in the deal with Ipswich.
Omari Hutchinson could be on his way to Ipswich Town permanently
Jake Stokes
Shearer makes Isak prediction
Speaking to Betfair, Alan Shearer said: “I’m not that worried. I don’t think he’ll leave. I don’t think it can happen. Newcastle supporters would go mad if it happened.
“What he’s brought to Newcastle and how good a player he is, I’m not sure Chelsea could afford him either. I’ve seen the reports and I don’t think there’s anything in that at all. I’d be amazed, angry and disappointed if he left Newcastle.”
Alan Shearer
Jake Stokes
Nagelsmann defends Havertz criticism…
Julian Nagelsmann has defended Kai Havertz despite calls from fans for the Arsenal forward to be dropped. Speaking to German television channel RTL, the Germany boss said: “If you look at it from the outside, a demand for Fulle (Fullkrug) is understandable, even though Kai comes off much worse in the public assessment.
“He has a clear job in many games, which means that he doesn’t have many ball actions because he should create space for others. He did that exceptionally well.
“In our internal assessment, Kai is ranked much higher than he is in the public. For the striker, it’s not always just about scoring a goal. If you’re substituted and the opponent is already tired, you might have a little more space.
“Fulle has a good rating, but Kai is an important player for us. We’ll see who starts [against Denmark].”
Kai Havertz in action for Germany against Greece
PSG offer Arsenal the chance to sign Man United target
According to The Sun, Manuel Ugarte has been offered to Arsenal and Liverpool by Paris Saint-Germain. The 23-year-old midfielder was heavily linked with a move to Chelsea last summer before the Blues turned their attention to Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia.
The report states that Manchester United will now ‘up the ante’ in the race for his signature. The Sun claim the Red Devils view Ugarte as a long-term successor to Casemiro.
Manuel Ugarte of PSG looks on
Jake Stokes
Premier League clubs chase Leeds youngster
According to the MailOnline, Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham are set to battle it out in the race to sign Archie Gray. The 18-year-old midfielder, who can also play right-back, continues to be linked with an exit from Leeds United following a brilliant season in the Championship.
Gray helped Daniel Farke’s side reach the promotion play-off final, but Southampton waltzed away from Wembley Stadium victors. The report states that Leeds want £30m for the teenager.
Arsenal are one of many clubs linked to Leeds United star Archie Gray
Jake Stokes
Arsenal target Barcelona youngster
Arsenal appear to have expanded their search for a new defender. According to HITC, the Gunners have contacted Barcelona to explore the possibility of signing Mikayil Faye after a move to Porto collapsed.
The 19-year-older featured 35 times for Barcelona’s B side last season, primarily operating as a left-sided centre-back. In an interview with Spanish publication Diario AS, Dani Olmo’s brother described him as a ‘super calm’ player.
Carlos, who played with Faye in Croatia, said: “He’s a super calm, kind kid. For us it was life insurance those months he played with us at the back. He has very controlled timing. There have been many times that I have thought: ‘he’s not coming’ and the guy comes. I mean, he’s fast but he controls the timing very well.”
Arsenal are eyeing up a move for Mikayil Faye
Isak makes his position clear
Alexander Isak has pledged his future to Newcastle following interest from Arsenal and Chelsea. In April, the Magpies striker said: “Of course I want to be here in the future.
“I came here for the project, I absolutely love playing here, I really feel at home. I want to finish this season in a good way for me and the team. I love playing here.”
Eddie Howe has also expressed his desire to keep Isak. The Newcastle boss said: “He’s an outstanding talent and no one connected with Newcastle would want to lose him.”
Arsenal and Chelsea have both been linked with moves for Alexander Isak
Jake Stokes
Gyokeres latest
Sporting CP have little interest in allowing Viktor Gyokeres to leave this summer. The Portuguese club are expected to demand the €100m (£86m) release clause in his contract is paid in full – a fee that looks unfeasible for Arsenal unless a few players are offloaded beforehand.
football.london have been told that central midfield remains the priority signing for Arsenal this summer. The Gunners remain compliant with Profit and Sustainability Regulations, but Euro 2024 and Copa America are expected to delay any business.
Gyokeres continues to be linked with a move to Arsenal
Jake Stokes
Smith Rowe faces an uncertain future
Emile Smith Rowe could leave Arsenal this summer. According to the Mirror, the 23-year-old midfielder is set to tell the Gunners he wants to leave the club amid interest from Aston Villa, Fulham and Crystal Palace.
The report states that Arsenal are holding out on a fee in the region of £30m – which would go down as pure profit on the books with Smith Rowe being an academy graduate.
Emile Smith Rowe is facing a huge Arsenal transfer decision
Arsenal urged to sign Calafiori
Speaking to Bet365, Emmanuel Petit said: “I have loved watching Riccardo Calafiori at Euro 2024, against Croatia he was so determined, I like him a lot. He is powerful, he has pace, he’s very aggressive, he’s young and you could see that mentally this guy is strong as well.
“When I was watching him I was thinking that this guy could be a good addition for English clubs – and Arsenal would be very good for him. Arsenal need someone who is versatile, he can play as a central defender but he can play in other positions too.
“He’s got pace, he’s intelligent with the ball and doesn’t make a lot of mistakes on the pitch. He’s very focused and good tactically too. He’s good technically as well and on top of it he’s got pace, energy and metal.
“He would fit in perfectly at Arsenal but with Chelsea too. Manchester United as well. I’m pretty sure that Premier League clubs will try to sign him and that might stop him from joining Juventus…”
Riccardo Calafiori has been linked with a summer transfer to Arsenal
Jake Stokes
Zirkzee release clause revealed!
According to Fabrizio Romano, Manchester United have been informed about a €40m (£33.9m) release clause in Joshua Zirkzee’s contract at Bologna. The report states that the condition remains valid until mid-August.
Romano claims that the Red Devils are discussing the potential transfer internally following talks with agents over the striker’s salary. It’s said that AC Milan have already agreed personal terms with Zirkzee, but commission fees have proven to be a stumbling block.
Arsenal were heavily linked with the Dutchman earlier in the summer, with Mikel Arteta keen to bolster his frontline…
Xavi Simons and Joshua Zirkzee
Jake Stokes
Williams breaks his silence
Nico Williams has brushed off speculation regarding his future at Athletic Bilbao. Speaking to Spanish radio station RNE, Spanish winger said: ” It’s hard to deal with, because everyone is constantly asking you what you’re going to do with your future.
“I’m a 21-year-old kid who just wants to play football. I have already said that Athletic is my home. I only recently renewed [my contract]. I am very happy.
“[Inaki] has already experienced it. He had his moment many years ago with rumours from the outside. He knows what it’s like, he knows how you suffer and he knows what has to be done.”
Spain starlet Nico Williams.
Kounde approach shutdown
Arsenal have been dealt a blow to the hopes of signing Jules Kounde, according to reports in Spain. The 25-year-old defender was heavily linked with a move to Chelsea a while ago before joining Barcelona instead.
Spanish outlet Jijantes, as quoted by the Mirror, claim the Gunners made an approach for Jules Kounde, but their enquiry was swiftly shutdown by Barcelona. The report states that the Catalan side are not looking to sell the France international.
However, their stance could change, depending on the future of Ronald Araújo, who has reportedly attracted interest from Manchester United…
Jules Kounde of FC Barcelona
Should Arsenal sign Neymar this summer?
Gilberto Silva believes Neymar could be lured back to Europe this summer – and he’s named Arsenal a potential suitor. Speaking to Bet365, the former Gunners midfielder said: “I’d love to see Neymar in the Premier League with Arsenal.
“It would bring a lot of joy to fans and make the competition even more special. When you look at the Premier League, we want to see the best players in the world, and to have him around would be great. Let’s see. It’s not impossible that he could join Arsenal, why not.”
Neymar ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus in his left knee while playing for Brazil in a 2026 World Cup qualifier in October 2023. Recovery from an ACL rupture or tear can be eight to 10 months, meaning the 32-year-old’s expected to be back in action around August.
Arsenal have been urged to consider a move for Neymar
Bukayo Saka has insisted he is not the answer to England’s left-back problem. Ian Wright suggested the Arsenal winger could fill in to give the Three Lions a natural left-footer and someone who can provide more attacking incision from defence.
Speaing to BBC 5 Live, Saka said: “No, obviously I love Ian Wright and he says so many great things about me but I don’t think putting me out of position is the solution.
“But at the end of the day, I think we can we can talk about this but it’s in Gareth’s hands so we will just have to trust whoever Gareth selects on the day.”
Arsenal star Bukayo Saka has been told he could have to play at left-back for England at the Euros this summer. (Image: Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)
Osimhen latest…
Arsenal may have been given a huge boost to their chances of signing Victor Osimhen. Speaking to the press for the first time since being named as Napoli’s new head coach, Antonio Conte confirmed the striker will be allowed to find a new club this summer.
The former Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur boss said: “As far as Osimhen is concerned, just as I knew very well about the situation of [Khvicha] Kvara, [Giovanni] Di Lorenzo, [Andre-Frank] Anguissa, [Stanislav] Lobotka, on whom I had an absolute veto, I know very well about the Osimhen situation.
“I know that there are agreements with the club, it’s a totally different situation, which I’ll witness. Then if you ask me about the player, he’s a top player, but I can’t get into any discussions about Osimhen because these are previous agreements.”
Napoli star Victor Osimhen continues to be linked with a summer transfer to Arsenal (Image: (Photo by Franco Romano/NurPhoto via Getty Images))
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Besiktas have reportedly placed Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain on their transfer list less than 12 months after signing the former Liverpool player on a free transfer.
Turkish journalist Yagız Sabuncuoglu names the former England international as one of ten players put up for sale by the Istanbul-based club this summer. The development comes weeks after appointing former Rangers boss Giovanni van Bronckhorst as their new manager.
Oxlade-Chamberlain signed a three-year contract last summer and made 30 appearances across all competitions during an injury-affected debut season