Arsenal transfer news recap as Gyokeres 'truth' emerges amid Nico Williams claim (2024)

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We're closing this blog down but don't fear - you can come and join us here for all of today's top Arsenal transfer news, updates and rumours.

Here are some highlights from yesterday:

• Victor Osimhen 'agreement' puts Arsenal on red-alert as transfer announcement expected 'soon'
• Arsenal can name dream lineup for Premier League opener vs Wolves with four transfers completed
• Arsenal’s dream subs after £100m-plus transfer spend, Nwaneri chance, Calafiori signing

Arsenal set for windfall

Omari Hutchinson's impending £22m move to Ipswich Town from Chelsea will land the Gunners with a tidy little windfall.

There was a sell-on clause inserted in the deal that took Hutchinson from Arsenal to the Blues in 2022 and with him set to return to Ipswich on a permanent deal after a loan spell at Portman Road last year, Mikel Arteta's side are set to bank a bit of Chelsea's profit.

Isak update

Newcastle have had a fresh enquiry for striker Alexander Isak by Chelsea as the Blues seek to test the Magpies' resolve.

Isak has been linked with a move to Arsenal as Mikel Arteta's side look to strengthen their ranks up front.

Chelsea, though, are the ones making the move with Newcastle's resolve being tested, according to ChronicleLive.

Done deal in the Prem

And a big one at that. Ian Maatsen has left Arsenal's London rivals Chelsea for Champions League upstarts Aston Villa.

It's probably the first major transfer of the summer and one that has been estimated to be worth around £38m.

You can read more on that HERE.

Arsenal sent new Thomas Partey transfer message

Mikel Arteta has again been told clearly why Joshua Kimmich should be Arsenal's Thomas Partey replacement. With the expectation remaining that the Ghana international will leave Emirates Stadium this summer, the Gunners need to strengthen in midfield.

A plethora of names have already been linked to Arsenal with Bruno Guimaraes, Martin Zubimendi and Amadou Onana all long-term targets. Youssouf Fofana and Mikel Merino, meanwhile, are new targets for the Gunners with Kimmich, who could be available for as little as €40million (£33m), seen as a dream option.

However, that could become a reality with it seen as entirely possible the versatile 29-year-old leaves Bayern Munich. According to Sky Sports Germany's Florian Plettenberg, the Bavarians are not planning to extend his contract, which expires in 2025, with new manager Vincent Kompany having other plans for his midfield.

Read more here.

Arsenal’s dream subs for 2024/25

A transfer window where the aim for Arsenal appears to be about raising the overall quality of the squad rather than the desperate need to bring in world-class talent like Declan Rice. Perhaps mainly through the market itself offering so little so far in terms of stand-out candidates above any other reason.

It is key that Arsenal do indeed raise the floor of the current group, having closed the gap now to Manchester City to just two points. Being able to compete across multiple positions more effectively will be another benefit of this transfer strategy allowing Mikel Arteta even more rotation variety.

What this also provides is a stronger bench, which brings us to the focus of the discussion. With the potential links for both incomings and outgoings on the rise, trying to predict what the Arsenal bench might look like for the opening game of the season.

Read more here.

Sambi Lokonga deal stutters

A deal between Arsenal and Sevilla for midfielder Albert Sambi Lokonga has stalled after the La Liga side want the Gunners to drop their demands for a mandatory purchase clause.

According to Spanish outlet COPE, Quique Sánchez Flores' side are eyeing up Lokonga as a potential loan deal in order to bolster their midfield with the club's director of football Victor Orta already claimed to have agreed to pay Lokonga's full wages to get the deal over the line.

Arsenal must break Chelsea 'cycle'

It has become something of a near-annual tradition that Arsenal have signed a player from Chelsea which has been either a rousing success or a comedic failure. It never seems there is something in between although perhaps FA Cup-winning David Luiz has a semblance of a shout.

But the likes of Willian, Petr Cech and William Gallas will go down as reminders of how it should be avoided. Meanwhile, Kai Havertz has certainly broken that trend along with Jorginho who have both contributed to Mikel Arteta’s ascent to taking Arsenal to established title challengers.

It has almost been like an unspoken agreement between the clubs has existed which is simply not seen at other rivals in Manchester or Liverpool. The idea of it happening again this summer however is a very different prospect.

Read what our club writer Tom Canton had to say here...

Arteta ready to put pen to paper

According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Mikel Arteta is preparing to put pen to paper in order to secure his future with Arsenal and sign a contract extension.

He said on his Daily Briefing Podcast:

I think [it will happen] soon. I don’t think it’s going to be long. Arsenal already had some conversations with the agents of Mikel Arteta.

And they are quite relaxed because they are very happy with Arteta and Arteta is very happy at Arsenal. They believe altogether in this project for the present and future. So this is why they are not in a rush.

Obviously, they want to get it done as soon as possible, but they feel that Arteta is not entertaining talks with any other club. When he was in the rumours for Barcelona, he was very strong. in public and in private, about denying that possibility because he only wants to focus on Arsenal’s project, and Arsenal are more than happy with him.

So, I think it’s just a matter of time before they meet again, they can fix the details of the new contract, but the initial conversations already took place and I think it’s a matter of time and then we will see Mikel Arteta signing a new contract and being a crucial project of this fantastic project they have at Arsenal.

Arsenal to take advantage of Barcelona trouble

Another Kounde update, this time claims that Arsenal could take advantage of Barcelona's financial issues in order to secure themselves a bargain move for centre-back Joules Kounde this summer.

Journalist Gerard Romero believesthat the Gunners are 'interested' in the 25-year-old French star, but that Barca are not willing to part with the star unless a significant offer is sent, with the future of Kounde's partner Ronald Araujo also up in the air after failed contract negotiations.

Micah Richards makes Arsenal defender claim

Former Manchester City defender and pundit Micah Richards has claimed his old club and Arsenal are in the race to sign Italy international Riccardo Calafiori this summer.

Speaking on the Rest is Football Podcast, he claimed:

Calafiori has been amazing. 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.

Arsenal eye up Turkish forward

According to Turkish reports, Arsenal are looking to secure Besiktas forward Semih Kılıçsoy after the 18-year-old has been linked with a move to the Gunners in recent weeks after impressing for the Super Lig side last season.

Aksam have claimed Mikel Arteta's side are 'knocking on the door' to sign Kılıçsoy, who is currently at the Euros 2024 with Turkey.

Tottenham, Newcastle United and Manchester United have also been linked with the youngster in recent weeks.

Joshua Kimmich is the 'perfect' replacement for Thomas Partey

William Gallas believes Joshua Kimmich would be the perfect replacement for Thomas Partey at Arsenal.

The Germany international is being linked with a move to the Premier League this summer, with Bayern Munich keen to listen to offers.

Speaking to Gambling Zone, the former Gunners star, Gallas said: "Joshua Kimmich is the perfect replacement for Thomas Partey. He can also play in midifled and right-back and I think if he signs for Arsenal he will play in the middle.

"He has the quality and experience to add a lot to Arsenal. He will need to adapt to the Premier League and I think he has the quality to do it - given what he’s done for Bayern in his career.

"Kimmich is technically very good and him in a midfield with Rice could be something special for Arsenal."

'P*ss off!' - Paul Scholes slams Arsenal legends over Bukayo Saka

Paul Scholes has hit out at Arsenal legends over calls for Bukayo Saka to start at left-back for England while also offering Declan Rice advice on what he needs to change.

England will take on Slovakia on Sunday afternoon in the Euro 2024 Round of 16 and many supporters are hopeful of seeing changes to the starting-eleven after three drab group stage performances that have left the nation uninspired.

Read more here.

Three easy transfers Arsenal can complete before major FFP shift in next two days

Mikel Arteta could fast-track his Arsenal transfer plans over the next 48 hours in order to strike a bargain deal. To most, June 30 represents the date of England's round of 16 clash against Slovakia at Euro 2024, but to the decision makers at Premier League clubs it is the final day to balance financial books and thus comply with profit and sustainability rules.

The Gunners have endured a rather quiet summer transfer window despite strong links to several players in a number of different positions. That said, football.london understands strengthening in midfield is the priority of Arteta and Edu.

Read more here.

Jules Kounde 'contact'

Arsenal have reportedly established contacts with Barcelona for Jules Kounde.

That's according to Sport who also add that Barca would be willing to listen to offers for the player.

Arsenal urged to sign Liverpool-linked Riccardo Calafiori

Former Arsenal star Emmanuel Petit believes Riccardo Calafiori would fit 'perfectly' in Mikel Arteta's team.

As part of bet365’s Euro 2024 coverage, 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."

Johan Bakayoko update

Arsenal have been linked with a move for PSV winger Johan Bakayoko.

However, it is said that he prefers to operate on the right wing, which means he may have to compete with Bukayo Saka for the position at Arsenal.

Voetbal International journalist said: "A little more about Bakayoko and Arsenal. The player’s entourage was surprised by the news in the media because the last time there was contact between the parties was a year ago. It is clear that Bakayoko only wants to go to a club where the chance of playing time is very high…"

Nico Williams claim

Arsenal-linked Nico Williams has suggested he will remain at Athletic Bilbao amid interest from the Premier League.

The 21-year-old is available for transfer for a release clause of around £49m. "It's hard to deal with, because everyone is constantly asking you what you're going to do with your future," he told Spanish radio station RNE.

"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 rumors from the outside. He knows what it’s like, he knows how you suffer and he knows what has to be done."

Andriy Lunin price tag revealed

Arsenal have been linked with a move for Real Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin.

It appears that Mikel Arteta is keen to bring in a new goalkeeper with doubts over Aaron Ramsdale's future. However, the Spanish giants' president Florentino Perez has made it clear, he will not be leaving for less than his asking price.

Reports in Spain claim that he will 'not oppose his departure' and is demanding a fee of £21m (€25m).

Viktor Gyokeres 'truth'

The Sweden international is a name that has featured predominantly in the last few weeks as Arsenal are keen to sign a new striker.

Despite reports claiming that Gyokeres is close to a move, Romano claims this is not true. "I am told this is not true, at the moment, Arsenal are not at that advanced stages of their negotiation for Gyokeres," he told Caught Offside.

"They made contact on the player side already months ago, it was between April and May. They are also informed about the conditions of the €100million release clause, but also the cost of the deal in terms of salary and all the rest.

"They have still not decided what they really want to do in that position or who is the priority target. They want to take their time to assess the options, so at the moment with Gyokeres, it is not something imminent or close, but it’s an option."

Big 'possibility' Victor Osimhen joins a Premier League club

Fabrizio Romano has insisted that there is a big possibility that Victor Osimhen joins an English club this summer.

He said: "In this moment of the market, keep an eye also in England, because Osimhen could be a big possibility. If Napoli changes the price of Victor Osimhen, there could be a possibility for other clubs to enter. For example, Manchester United are looking for a striker.

"Arsenal are looking for a striker. Will they go for a striker? Will they go for a winger? What they decide to do in terms of plan? Keep an eye on many clubs for Victor Osimhen."

Thomas Partey interest

The Arsenal midfielder is said to be attracting interest from Saudi Arabia.

teamTALK claim that clubs have been in touch with Partey's agent to discover if a deal is possible. Arsenal are said to be open to selling him this summer.

Al Ahli, Al Nassr, Al Hilal and Al Nassr have all been mooted as possible destinations.

Fulham make contact for midfielder

Arsenal will have to sell some players this summer as they look to bring in new additions to their squad.

Give Me Sport suggest that Emile Smith Rowe could be one of those players after a lack of game time. Fulham are said to have made the first contact with Arsenal over the 23-year-old.

The Cottagers are keen to sign a new midfielder with Joao Palhinha heavily linked with a move to Bayern Munich. Arsenal are thought to be holding out a £40m fee for him.

Bayern Munich set Joshua Kimmich price

The German giants are said to be willing to sell Joshua Kimmich this summer.

Bayern want to sanction a move as he will not sign a new deal and his contract runs out next summer. They are said to want around £25m.

Kimmich is subject of interest from Arsenal, Liverpool, and Manchester City.

Kevin De Bruyne hands Mikel Arteta 'unbelievable' £30m Arsenal summer transfer plan

A number of players have been touted as potential signings for Arsenal this summer. But they will also have to sell some players to drum up funds.

One of those players was Oleksandr Zinchenko, who is said to be one of many stars the Gunners could let go of this summer. The Ukrainian international was part of the 26-man squad for the European Championships but failed to navigate his side through to the knockout stages, despite finishing on four points - the first country to ever finish bottom of their group on that tally.

As Kevin De Bruyne and his side prepare for their massive Round of 16 clash with France on Monday night, he highlighted the relationship he has with Zinchenko and admitted that he's been impressed with his performances for the Gunners this season.

Speaking at his post-match press conference earlier this week, he said: "I love Zinna [Oleksandr Zinchenko]. Zinna is [an] unbelievable guy."

Read more here.

Liverpool ready to make offer for Arsenal-linked star

As per reports in Italy, Liverpool are ready to make a 'substantial offer' to Bologna for Riccardo Calafiori.

The 22-year-old is said to be one of the players set to leave the Italian side this summer, as he continues to impress in the Euros.

Corriere di Bologna add that Calafiori is one of the ‘first names’ on the wish list of Premier League teams with the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham.

Real Madrid are also keen to sign him.

Arsenal add Real Madrid star to 'shortlist'

Arsenal continue being active in the transfer window. They are claimed to be 'closely monitoring' six players at the Copa America.

One of them being Rodrygo, who appears to be the standout name on that list. Meanwhile, Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes and Feyenoord's Santiago Gimenez are also reportedly being monitored.

In addition, Lautaro Martinez is also believed to be on the list, along with Jonathan David and William Pacho, the centre-back for Ecuador.

Viktor Gyokeres latest

Arsenal continue their search to sign a new striker this summer.

Viktor Gyokeres has emerged as a potential option after missing out on Benjamin Sesko and Serhou Guirassy.

However, it could cost the Gunners a bumper fee of around £85m to land the former Coventry star away from Sporting CP.

Arsenal closing in on first signing

According to reports in Spain, Espanyol star Joan Garcia is set to become an Arsenal player 'soon.'

The Spanish goalkeeper has had plenty of interest with a number of English clubs being linked, along with Real Madrid.

But it appears that the Gunners have won the race for the 23-year-old.