All the latest Arsenal news and transfer gossip, including updates on Alexander Isak, Riccardo Calafiori and – of course – the Euros
Bookmark
Germany and Bayern Munich midfielder Joshua Kimmich
Germany and Bayern Munich midfielder Joshua Kimmich
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 King
Kounde request
Arsenal have made a surprise enquiry for Barcelona defender Jules Kounde this summer.
His versatility is seen as a key asset as Mikel Arteta tries to strengthen his squad, but Jijantes report that the Gunners have been told by Barcelona that he is not for sale right now.
It’s added that it would take a “high offer” for any deal to even be considered, with Barca waiting to hear about the future of fellow centre-back Ronald Araujo.
Ronald Araujo of FC Barcelona
Leeds have rejected a proposal from Brentford for Arsenal target Archie Gray, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The Gunners had been linked with a move for the talented 18-year-old midfielder on Saturday before it was reported that Brentford had agreed a £35million deal with Leeds.
But now, the race is back open for Gray after the Whites turned down Brentford’s bid and that deal is currently off.
(Image: Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)
09:29
Kieran King
Arsenal in David race
Arsenal are ready to enter the race for in-demand Lille forward Jonathan David this summer, according to the Daily Star.
The Canadian international is being tracked by Chelsea, Manchester United and West Ham over a potential summer move, and now Arsenal are preparing to join the queue.
David has less than 12 months left on his current deal and the Ligue 1 outfit are prepared to cash in with £20million thought to be the desired amount.
Jonathan David has been linked with a move to Arsenal
Kieran King
Smith Rowe latest
Arsenal’s Emile Smith Rowe can go for £25million this summer but the midfielder is in no rush to leave the club, according to The Sun.
Smith Rowe, 23, could be sold after a difficult campaign where he started just three Premier League matches.
Crystal Palace are among those interested in a move for the midfielder, with a number of other Premier League sides linked.
Emile Smith Rowe of Arsenal (Image: Getty Images)
Richards hint
Micah Richards has revealed he has been told that Arsenal are interested in a move for Bologna’s Riccardo Calafiori this summer.
“Calafiori has been amazing,” Richards said on The Rest is Football podcast. “He’s the one everyone’s talking about. All the big clubs are linked with him.
“He plays his football for Bologna, and I’ve heard Arsenal and Man City are interested.
“He’s really good on the ball, can score goals, can defend. And when we’ve been doing the games, I’ve been concentrating on [Alessandro] Bastoni, but Calafiori has been equally impressive.”
Riccardo Calafiori has been linked with a summer transfer to Arsenal
Sam Truelove
22 set to leave Arsenal
It could be an emotional weekend for a number of Arsenal players as their time at the club comes to an end.
Earlier this month the Gunners announced 22 players will be leaving the north Londoners upon the expiration of their contracts on June 30. The list of players leaving Emirates Stadium includes a handful of first team stars as well as more than a dozen youth prospects who will now be plying their trade elsewhere next season.
Among the players waving goodbye to the club is Mohamed Elneny. The Egyptian was signed by Arsene Wenger in January 2016 and is currently the club’s longest-serving player having spent eight years with the Gunners.
Kimmich decision
Joshua Kimmich is not interested in joining Arsenal because he has his heart set on a move to Manchester City in the summer transfer window.
That is according to the Daily Star, via the Daily Express, who report that Kimmich is ready to turn down offers from the Gunners and Liverpool in order to move to Pep Guardiola’s City after Euro 2024.
The Bayern Munich and Germany midfielder, who has one year left on his contract, is set to leave the club for £30million and City are now in pole position to secure his services.
Bayern Munich midfielder Joshua Kimmich
Kieran King
Morning
Hello and welcome to our Arsenal live transfer blog on this fine Sunday morning.
Stay tuned for the rest of the day for updates and rumours from the Emirates…
Matthew Abbott
Arsenal ‘offered’ Sancho
Arsenal have reportedly been offered Jadon Sancho by Manchester United representatives this summer as they seek to offload the former England international.
TEAMtalk reports that United values the winger at £40 million, almost half the fee they paid Borussia Dortmund to sign the player in the summer of 2021. Barcelona, Chelsea and even Manchester City have reportedly been contacted by the Old Trafford club regarding Sancho.
United are also said to be open for a loan move with an obligation to buy the south London native next summer. A heavily incentivised deal featuring add-ons and bonuses is allegedly another route the club would consider.
Sancho was dropped from the Manchester United squad to face Arsenal in September due to training levels
Matthew Abbott
Calafiori update
Arsenal are closer to discovering their fate in the Riccardo Calafiori sweepstakes after Italy were eliminated from the European Championship this evening.
The Mirror reports that Arsenal have enquired about the player who is attracting interest from north London. Bologna are now believed to be encouraging bids for their central defender.
The Italian club are said to be keen on avoiding doing business with a domestic rival, with Juventus reportedly leading the way. But any move from Arsenal is said to hinge on whether Jakub Kiwior stays this summer.
Riccardo Calafiori has been linked with a summer transfer to Arsenal
Chelsea’s Isak obstacle
Chelsea would reportedly have to include players in any deal to sign Alexander Isak this summer, according to The Guardian.
The west London club are said to have discussed including Nicolas Jackson in a potential proposal. Such is the cost of Isak’s wages and the few that Newcastle would demand that Chelsea are said to be unable to do a straight cash deal.
It remains to be seen whether that would also be an obstacle for Arsenal. Newcastle’s diminishing need to sell the striker this summer is another factor that will work against them.
Alexander Isak before a Newcastle United game
19:47
Kieran Horn
Arsenal dealt Isak and Guimaraes transfer blow amid £33m agreement
Arsenal’s hopes of signing Alexander Isak and Bruno Guimaraes have been dealt a huge blow with Newcastle agreeing a £33million deal.
According to The Athletic, Brighton have reached agreement with the Magpies to sign Yankuba Minteh for a fee in the region of £33million. Personal terms are yet to be agreed but it seems likely that will not be an issue with the 19-year-old choosing to stay in the Premier League over joining Lyon in France.
With that in mind, Newcastle look set to wrap up a crucial deal to comply with PSR which means the Gunners will see their final chances to sign Isak or Guimaraes slip away.
Alexander Isak of Newcastle United celebrates with teammate Bruno Guimaraes (Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images)
19:15
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
17:28
Jake Stokes
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.
16:44
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
16:03
Kieran Horn
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.
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
14:45
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 (Image: BBC Sport)
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
Jake Stokes
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
Jake Stokes
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,