Hello and welcome to football.london's dedicated live blog for all things Arsenal. The pre-season tour of the United States looms, but there's been very little to shout about for Mikel Arteta so far.
The Gunners have reportedly agreed a deal with Bologna for Riccardo Calafiori, meanwhile Barcelona appear to be leading the race to sign Nico Williams, who caught the eye at Euro 2024.
Elsewhere, Mikel Merino has emerged as a target for Arsenal as Arteta looks to strengthen his options in midfield. With regard to outgoings, Emile Smith Rowe has been heavily linked with an exit, while Eddie Nketiah reportedly attracts attention from the French top flight.
Jakub Kiwior currently faces an increasingly uncertain future, with Calafiori expected to pen a deal in north London soon. While the Gunners boss has a lot on his plate at the moment, the Premier League campaign doesn't kick-off until later next month!
Stay up to date on all Arsenal news, transfer gossip and updates in our live blog below.
Jake Stokes
Arsenal plot Guehi swoop
Arsenal scupper Manchester United's plan to sign Marc Guehi. According to the Sunday Star, as quoted by the Express, the Gunners are prepared to use Eddie Nketiah as a bargaining chip in their pursuit of Marc Guehi.
The report states that Mikel Arteta's side have been joined by several other Premier League clubs, including the Red Devils, in the race to secure the 24-year-old defender's signature. The Express claim that Crystal Palace value Guehi at £70m.
So, in a bid to negotiate a smaller fee, Nkteiah could be reportedly included in a cash-plus player deal...
Jake Stokes
Man City prepare Newcastle offer
Manchester City seem determined to sign Bruno Guimaraes at all costs this summer. According to the Daily Star, the Premier League champions are ready to use Rico Lewis or Oscar Bobb as leverage in the race to sign the Newcastle United midfielder.
The report states that Pep Guardiola's side could send either of the duo to St James' Park on loan in a bid to secure Guimaraes' signature. It's said that the Magpies want £100m for the 26-year-old, who's also been tracked by Arsenal.
The Daily Star adds that Man City are refusing to pay Guimaraes' asking price; they value him closer to the £80m-mark...
Jake Stokes
Smith Rowe latest
As it stands, Fulham are leading the race to sign Emile Smith Rowe, football.london understands. The Cottagers are keen to kick on from another positive season in the Premier League, and they've already submitted a bid worth more than £25m for the 23-year-old midfielder.
It's believed, though, that Arsenal rejected it. Smith Rowe remains an immensely popular player within the dressing room and the club don't want to let him go.
Despite his reluctance to play him in recent seasons, Mikel Arteta is a key driver of this stance...
Jake Stokes
Merino interest
Arsenal are interested in signing Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad this summer, football.london understands. The 28-year-old, who fired Spain to Euro 2024 glory over the summer, has suddenly emerged as a target for the Gunners as Mikel Arteta looks to bolster his midfield.
Martin Zubimendi was once heavily linked with a move to the Emirates Stadium, but Arsenal have now set their sights on Merino. The playmaker featured 32 times for Real Sociedad in La Liga last season, scoring five goals and providing three assists.
Playing a key role in Imanol Alguacil's side, he helped the Spanish club finish sixth and secure Europa League qualification. His impressive performances have courted the north Londoners' interest, while Thomas Partey's future remains unclear.
Jake Stokes
PSG push for Benfica deal
Arsenal have been dealt a blow to the hopes of signing one of Europe's most promising young midfielders. According to Sky Sports Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg, Paris Saint-Germain are pushing to sign Joao Neves from Benfica this summer.
The report states that the Portuguese giants have already rejected an opening bid worth €70m (£59m), with add-ons included, fron the Parisians. Plettenberg adds that the 19-year-old remains 'keen' to join PSG after reaching a verbal agreement on personal terms.
Jake Stokes
'Done deal'
Mikel Arteta could soon welcome a top young player to Arsenal. According to Fabrizio Romano, Tommy Setford will put pen to paper on a contract today for the Gunners, joining from Ajax.
The 18-year-old goalkeeper has recently entered the final year of his contract at the Johan Cruyff Arena and the Dutch club look set to cash in rather than let him leave for free next summer.
Setford, who's an England Under-20 international, has never featured for Ajax at senior level despite his impressive performances in the academy.
Jake Stokes
Nketiah update
Eddie Nketiah looks set to leave Arsenal this summer. According to French publication FootMercato, the Gunners striker has been 'seduced by the sporting project' at Olympique de Marseille and wants to join.
It's said that contract negotiations have been progressing 'positively' since establishing initial contact with Nketiah's entourage earlier this week. The 25-year-old currently sees his deal at the Emirates Stadium expire in June 2027.
Jake Stokes
Good morning!
Hello and welcome to football.london's Arsenal blog! Mikel Arteta will be eager to welcome some new faces to the Emirates Stadium this summer as the Gunners look to mount another Premier League title bid.
Arsenal continue to be heavily linked with some big names, like Riccardo Calafiori and Nico Williams. So, with that being said, stay tuned as we plate up all the latest news, updates and transfer gossip LIVE...
Bruna Reis
Martin Zubimendi latest
Arsenal are in the market to sign a new midfielder and have been linked with Real Sociedad's Zubimendi.
However, reports on this front have cooled, with the Spain international reportedly reluctant to leave his homeland.
Speaking to Give Me Sport, journalist Ben Jacobs issued an update, saying: "Arsenal still like Merino's Sociedad teammate Martin Zubimendi and the issue is not his cost. The €60m (£50m) release clause might seem high, but it didn't put Arsenal off in January.
"They know Zubimendi just loves Sociedad and had Champions League (football) last season. The challenge is persuading the player to leave."
Bruna Reis
More on Riccardo Calafiori
New talks are scheduled to take place on Sunday as Arsenal close in on the signing of Bologna defender.
Bruna Reis
Arsenal and Chelsea handed Dani Olmo £50m transfer deadline as boss speaks out
RB Leipzig manager Marco Rose has admitted to not feeling worried about Arsenal or any club, who can trigger Dani Olmo's release clause by Saturday's expiry date.
Contrary to previous reports, it was said that the player's buy-out clause expired on Monday but it seems it will expire on Saturday night. Olmo has admirers all across Europe after being one of Spain's standout performers at the Euro 2024.
Read more here.
Bruna Reis
Arsenal chances of landing Nico Williams evaluated
Arsenal face slim chance of signing Nico Williams.
That's according to Graeme Bailey who has said he is not keen to come to England. He said: "It’s nothing to do with the wages, he doesn’t want to come to England. The only place he wants to go is Barcelona, it’s as simple as that.
"It’s nothing to do with Liverpool, nothing to do with any of the clubs that want him, he just doesn’t want to come to England. He wants to play for Barcelona."
Bruna Reis
Mikel Merino latest
While Arsenal's interest for Merino is genuine, journalist Ben Jacon says a deal is anywhere close to being advanced.
Speaking to Give Me Sport, Jacobs said: "Arsenal are considering Mikel Merino, but at this stage there is no club-to-club contact. Merino will be available at value because he's into the final year of his Real Sociedad contract.
"Arsenal are not afraid to buy a bit older or add names who perhaps won't stay for longer than two-three seasons. Jorginho is one example of this, and has proven to be a smart signing."
Bruna Reis
Victor Osimhen update
Paris Saint-Germain are said to be looking to advance for Victor Osimhen next week.
Fabrizio Romano says that new round of talks have taken place between PSG and Napoli. Meanwhile, the player has already given his green light to the French giants.
Bruna Reis
Eddie Nketiah 'bid'
Foot Mercato claims that Marseille have stepped up their pursuit to sign Arsenal forward Nketiah.
Bruna Reis
Arsenal finalising move
The club are finalising a move for Ajax goalkeeper Tommy Setford ahead of their trip to the United States.
The Gunners are said to have agreed a fee of €1m with the Dutch side and the negotiations are thought to be in the final stages.
There is hope that a deal can be wrapped up so Setford can be part of the club’s tour to the USA. Arsenal will jet off to the U.S on Sunday and play Bournemouth on Wednesday.
Bruna Reis
Leroy Sane link
Spanish media have suggested that Arsenal are considering a swoop for the Bayern Munich winger.
Given that he has 12 months left on his contract, Bayern could look at offloading him this summer for a cut-price deal. Mikel Arteta is in the market for a new winger and have also been linked with Raphinha, Pedro Neto and Nico Williams.
Bruna Reis
Emile Smith Rowe sends Mikel Arteta message in Arsenal friendly win amid transfer talk
Emile Smith Rowe starred for Arsenal as the Gunners stepped up their pre-season preparations.
Saturday saw Arsenal face Leyton Orient in a behind-closed-doors friendly at the Sobha Reality Training Centre. The Gunners claimed a 2-0 victory thanks to goals from Gabriel Jesus and Smith Rowe.
Read more here.
Bruna Reis
Arsenal praised for pursuing Calafiori deal
Former Arsenal star Bacary Sagna is pleased to see the Gunners are finally closing in on a £45m deal for Riccardo Calafiori.
"Calafiori is very good and I’ve followed him a lot in Serie A this season," he told Paddy Power. "I’ve seen a lot of Bologna games, and he’s one of the reasons they were able to qualify for the Champions League.
"He’s calm and composed on the ball – he can break lines by committing and help the side out offensively. He’d be a fantastic player for Arsenal – any club he would join, he would be a fantastic addition."
Bruna Reis
Mikel Arteta's stance on Emile Smith Rowe
According to reports, Arteta is keen to keep Smith Rowe at Arsenal this summer.
The Gunners have turned down offers from Fulham and Crystal Palace during this window. Both clubs are said to be expected to return with improved bids.
Fulham bid £30m while Palace are set to submit a proposal worth £35m plus add-ons.
The 23-year-old was restricted to just three starts last season, but despite the lack of minutes, the Guardian reports that the Spanish boss wants to keep him at the club.
Bruna Reis
Jakub Kiwior latest
Gazetta dello Sport report that Inter Milan are the latest team to join the transfer race for Kiwior.
The Italian publication adds that it would only be a loan with the option to buy, as Tajon Buchanan is out for four to five months after sustaining a leg injury for Canada at the Copa America.
Bologna, Milan and Juventus are also credited with an interest in Kiwior.
Bruna Reis
Tick tock!
There is no better reasurrance than this, right, Arsenal fans?
Bruna Reis
Pedro Neto 'wants' Arsenal move
According to TEAMtalk, Neto is keen to join Arsenal this summer.
Arsenal have been long-term admirers of the Portuguese winger and are sait o have already held preliminary talks with his agent regarding a potential move.
Elsewhere, it is claimed that Arsenal are in "pole position" to sign the Portugal international, while Chelsea are also keen.
Bruna Reis
Riccardo Calafiori chat with Bologna revealed
It appears that the transfer saga involving Calafiori is coming to an end.
However, talks had stalled after both clubs were struggling to agree on a fee. Fabrizio Romano revealed what the defender privately told the Bologna board to convinced them to accept the deal with the Gunners.
Speaking on PlayBack, Romano said: "What I wanted to say is that Riccardo Calafiori, in the last 24-48 hours, when he returned from holidays after the Euros, spoke directly with the Bologna board and told them 'I understand that you are also open to keeping me here, we’re going to play Champions League football next season…'
"So Bologna really tried to keep the player at the club, but Riccardo Calafiori told them: 'Please, let me fulfil my dream and let me go to Arsenal. I want to go to Arsenal.'
This was the message from Riccardo Calafiori – ‘Let me go and let me fulfil my dream’.”
Tom Coley
Gabriel Jesus position
Despite some suggestions from Arsenal fans that the club may well be better off without Gabriel Jesus, it has been said that those at the Emirates Stadium still rate him extremely highly.
It is claimed that some see him as a top-five forward in the world.
Perhaps this explains why there hasn't been a massive push towards buying another striker since Benjamin Sesko decided to remain at RB Leipzig?
Bruna Reis
Nico Williams latest
The Athletic Bilbao star continues to be linked with a move to the Premier League.
However, Barcelona are looking to bring him to Camp Nou to join his close friend Lamine Yamal.
The 17-year-old was one of three Barca players to comment on Williams' latest Instagram post.
Bruna Reis
Leyton Orient friendly win
Arsenal defeated the League One side 2-0 in this afternoon's friendly at the Sobha Realty Training Centre on Saturday.
Gabriel Jesus and Emile Smith Rowe scored the goals for Mikel Arteta's side. The squad will jet off to the United States (Los Angeles) on Sunday to continue their pre-season preparations.
They will then play Bournemouth in the early hours of Thursday at 3:30am (UK time) then Manchester United at 1am (UK time) on Sunday, July 28.
Their US Tour will then be concluded with a game against Liverpool in Philadelphia at 12.30am (UK time) on Thursday, August 1.
Bruna Reis
Riccardo Calafiori deal in final stages
Arsenal have made a beakthrough in negotiations with Bologna to sign Calafiori.
The fee is understood to be €40m plus €5m in add-ons, with Bologna entitled to a sell-on fee. Fabrizio Romano states that the final step is for Basel and Bologna to agree 50% sell-on payment terms.
Bruna Reis
Emile Smith Rowe competition
The Arsenal midfielder is attracting interest from a number of Premier League sides as his future is unclear at the Emirates.
Fulham have had a £30m bid including add-ons bid rejected for his services earlier this week. Meanwhile, Crystal Palace are believed to be preparing an offer of £35m including bonuses to try to tempt their London rivals into parting ways with the 23-year-old.
Tom Coley
Kai Havertz issue
More from William Gallas, speaking to Gambling Zone.
He seems to have been in a fiery mood, not being impressed with Kai Havertz's return.
"Kai Havertz has scored some important goals, but I still believe that for the guys who are bought for £60m, he hasn’t done enough."When you look at his statistics and how many years did he play in the Premier League? I think it's been three or four years now. I still think it’s not a good deal for Arsenal, no question."
