Arsenal transfer news LIVE – Calafiori medical, Smith Rowe 'bid ...
Hello and welcome to the football.london blog covering all things Arsenal! Mikel Arteta will be keen to further bolster his squad this year after falling short in the Premier League title race on the final day of the season.
The Gunners continue to be linked with some big names, but, for now, it remains unclear whether or not Edu will wheel out the war chest. Arsenal have reached an agreement to sign Riccardo Calafioiri. The Italian still needs to undergo a medical and sign along the dotted line but he is expected to join up on their pre-season tour.
Last summer, Arsenal spent over £200million on Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber. After heavily investing in two midfielders and a defender, the north Londoners may look to finally sign a new striker – especially with Gabriel Jesus and Eddie Nketiah facing uncertain futures.
Emile Smith Rowe is also on his way out of the club after Fulham moved in to pick him up for a club record deal. That is now edging closer to being the first significant sale of the summer as well. A few wingers, like Johan Bakayoko and Nico Williams, have all been mooted as potential targets, but talk of a new frontman has gone cold.
Meanwhile Arsenal are undergoing pre-season preparations in America. After drawing to Bournemouth on Thursday morning it's Manchester United next up in the early hours of Sunday. So, with that being said, stay with us at football.london as we provide you with all the latest news, updates and transfer gossip.
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08:08Tom Coley
Mikel Merino appears to have made his allegiances clear after some eagle-eyed fans noticed a sharp 'retweet' from the Spaniard.
After it was reported by Fabrizio Romano that Calafiori would be having a medical with Arsenal, Merino is claimed to have reposted the report.
However, that is no longer visible on his Twitter/X account.
07:42Tom Coley
Arsenal (and other interested clubs) have until August 15 to get Joan Garia on the cheap.
Due to contract clauses, it is claimed that the Spanish goalkeeper, who is set to play at the Olympics, could see his price increase significantly after that.
Garcia is a target for Arsenal as they look to solve a complex issue this summer around Ramsdale and Hein.
His release clause of £20million is being eyed by Real Madrid and others though but that will jump to £25million after August 15 and then £30million should he get a call-up to the national side.
Tottenham are also named as having interest.
07:12Tom Coley
Di Marzio reports that Arsenal could yet make an offer for Victor Osimhen 'sooner or later' after a deal to go to PSG stalled.
The Gunners are said to be the team to watch at the moment with Osimhen making his stance perfectly clear with regards to not going to Saudi Arabia.
PSG are currently waiting for his price to drop but Napoli ar so far holding their nerve.
06:53Tom Coley
If Arsenal do want to get Fabian Ruiz this summer then they definitely have a good chance.
Not only has the Spaniard been left out in the cold at PSG a fair bit but they are already chasing the addition of another midfielder in Joao Neves.
Should that deal get across the line then it would surely open up a path for Fabian.
06:34Tom Coley
Here's a little recap to start things off.
This is a quick roundup of what went on yesterday:
Fulham make £35million Smith Rowe bidKiwior and Inter hopeful of dealCalafiori to join up with pre-season Arsenal join hunt for ChiesaWilliams teammate fires Barcelona messageSeveral offers rejected for Vieira including from Saudi ArabiaSesko breaks silence on new contractTalks held for Fabian RuizBarca back out of Merino raceLeipzig reject first Olmo bidCity to rival Arsenal for Eze£35million Ramsdale price tag emergesSergi Roberto approached06:10Tom Coley
Tom Coley here to steer you through the early hours of Friday. Here we go again for another day of big Arsenal news. We'll have the latest on Smith Rowe and Calafiori, Williams and Jesus, plus pre-season and preparations. Don't go anywhere.
22:17Kieran King
Fulham are advancing in a deal to sign Emile Smith Rowe from Arsenal. The Cottagers are set to complete a £35million deal for the 24-year-old, according to the Daily Mail.
Smith Rowe did not feature in Arsenal's friendly against Bournemouth earlier on Thursday. "Yeah there are things happening in the background at the moment. We decided the best thing to do was to keep him away from the game today," Mikel Arteta said after the match.
21:40Kieran King
Former Chelsea goalkeeper Asmir Begovic has urged Aaron Ramsdale to leave Arsenal and go in search of regular game time this summer.
He told talkSPORT: "Yeah, with how good Aaron is, he is too good not to play.
"I know the luxury of Arsenal and these top clubs who try to have two elite world-class goalkeepers on the books, but it gets really difficult.
He added: "He probably should go, he needs to go for his career and his England chances, but if Arsenal don’t let him go he’s still under contract and paying his wages so it’s a really tricky situation."
20:41Kieran King
Arsenal have made an approach to sign former Barcelona midfielder Sergi Roberto, according to SPORT.
The 32-year-old, who is a free agent, is still searching for a new club after leaving Barcelona last month and has emerged as a surprise target for the Gunners.
20:17Kieran King
According to talkSPORT, Arsenal want to recoup £35m for Aaron Ramsdale. However, his £100k-a-week wages are said to be a potential stumbling block for many Premier League clubs.
It's said that a loan move may be the 26-year-old goalkeeper's most likely escape route from the Emirates Stadium this summer. Ramsdale was the Gunners' first-choice shot-stopper in his first season in north London before becoming backup to David Raya in 2023/24.
20:00Kieran King
Benjamin Sesko believes he made the "right decision" to snub Arsenal and stay at RB Leipzig after signing a new long-term contract last month.
He told Nogomania: "I thought it through very well. I believe I made the right decision.
"I wanted to gain more experience, learn more, and not rush things. Leipzig is an excellent club that can provide what I need for the next step. Leipzig's vision is clear; everything is geared towards growth, progress, and high goals. I felt it was right to decide this way."
19:24Kieran King
Arsenal and Manchester City are gearing up to be the main rivals for Eberechi Eze's signature, according to The Sun
The Crystal Palace midfielder impressed for England at Euro 2024 and has attracted interest this summer.
19:00Kieran King
Arsenal may have three options in the transfer market to replace Fabio Vieira this summer.
Vieira has been heavily linked with a move away from the Emirates Stadium in recent weeks having struggled for game time last term. The midfielder made just 17 appearances for the Gunners last season with just three starts.
Reports in recent days have linked Vieira with an exit just two years after he signed for Arsenal from Porto. The 24-year-old has been credited as a target for clubs in the Bundesliga, La Liga and Serie A, as well as the Saudi Pro League.
It remains to be seen if Vieira still has a long-term future with Arsenal, but if not it's possible the club may look to sign a replacement should he depart this summer. Should that happen, it seems there are several alternatives that the Gunners may consider.
Read the full story here.
18:23Kieran King
The door has been left open for Arsenal and Chelsea to make a move for Dani Olmo with Barcelona's latest bid for the RB Leipzig star set to be rejected.
Olmo, 26, has attracted interest after impressing for Spain at Euro 2024. He scored three goals and added two assists in seven matches as La Roja beat England 2-1 to win the tournament for the fourth time. The attacking midfielder notably netted the winner in the semi-final victory over France.
Arsenal and Chelsea have both been linked with a possible swoop for Olmo, while Barcelona are among the others hoping to get a deal over the line this summer. Although his release clause worth around £50m expired last Saturday, Leizpig remain open to listening to offers for Olmo.
And now, according to Sky Sports, Barcelona have made a bid for Olmo, who spent seven years in the La Masia academy before departing the club, aged 16, back in 2014. The offer is understood to be more than £50m, but it's set to be rejected by RB Leizpig, who are holding out for a higher fixed amount.
17:49Kieran King
Nicolas Pepe has admitted he does not regret his time at Arsenal - but is frustrated that he was judged by his £72million price tag rather than his performances.
Pepe, 29, joined the Gunners from Lille for a club-record fee back in August 2019, signing after scoring 23 goals in 42 matches during the previous campaign and being named in the Ligue 1 Team of the Year.
The Gunners, then managed by Unai Emery, had high hopes for the Ivory Coast international but it's safe to say he did not live up to expectations, despite scoring 24 goals and 15 assists in 91 matches.
Pepe left Arsenal in September 2023, moving to Trabzonspor on a free transfer despite having one year left on his contract. Reflecting on his time at the Emirates and the weight his price tag had on his shoulders, Pepe told BBC Sport: "It wasn't easy at all. And the fans weren't happy with how I was performing.
"When I first joined, the fans weren't really judging my performances, they were judging the price tag. But I think I did some great things while at Arsenal. I don't regret my time there. But my transfer fee to the club was the highest one they'd signed, so they expected me to score in each match."
Read the full story here.
17:20Kieran King
Arsenal have started initial negotiations with Paris Saint-Germain for Spain international Fabian Ruiz, according to The Transfers Podcast.
Fabian impressed at Euro 2024 - scoring two goals and two assists and being named in the UEFA Team of the Tournament as Spain won the competition for the fourth time.
He, however, has endured a difficult time at club level since moving to PSG for £18.1m back in August 2022 and could leave the club this summer.
And now, it has been reported that the Gunners have initiated talks over a possible move for Fabian this summer as Mikel Arteta tries to bolster his midfield.
16:45Kieran King
Arsenal have been handed a major boost in the race to sign Mikel Merino with Barcelona pulling out of the race for the Real Sociedad midfielder, according to SPORT.
The Gunners have been credited with an interest for Merino after impressing with Spain at Euro 2024. Mikel Arteta is keen to add another midfielder to his squad and Merino has been shortlisted as a potential target.
Barcelona are among the others that had been in the running for the 28-year-old, but it's now understood the La Liga side will NOT sign him this summer.
16:01Jake Stokes
Speaking to Gambling Zone, William Gallas said: "The problem is now, you know, if you bring in a player who is 28 years old, people will tell you he's too old.
"It’s crazy but its true! I really like the Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins – I think he would be a great signing for Arsenal and I’ve been told that he supported the club as a boy.
"I like him because I like his movement. Arsenal need a player like him, someone that can create space for his teammates. I'm sure he could form a great partnership with Martin Odegaard, because that boy can move very well.
"He makes runs at the right time..."
15:50Jake Stokes
According to the Sunday Times journalist Duncan Castles, Arsenal have made a move for Fabian Ruiz. The 28-year-old midfielder has been linked with a move to the Premier League this summer following his impressive performances for Spain at Euro 2024.
As revealed on 'The Transfers Podcast, Paris Saint-Germain are open to selling Ruiz, who sees his contract in the French capital expire in June 2027.
15:31Jake Stokes
Speaking to BBC Sport, Nicolas Pepe said: "If Arsenal bought me for £20m, maybe it'd be different. It's not the player's fault. They don't ask for £100m or £90m.
"But that's how it is in the football world and it's something that people can't understand. There are also players like [Mykhailo] Mudryk and Antony who don't perform at their best all the time, and yet they're not bad players."
15:00Jake Stokes
Speaking to bonuscodebets.co.uk, John Barnes said: "I think [Marc] Guehi could be a good fit for any of the top teams. He’s a very good centre back. He’s quick, he’s mobile.
"Of course he’s not six foot five but there aren’t many six and five centre halves anymore. He’s decent enough in the air. He’s got a great character from what I’ve heard about him. So yeah, he’d be a good signing for anyone. I think that would be a good move for Arsenal."
14:31Jake Stokes
Speaking on talkSPORT, Gabby Agbonlahor has tipped Arsenal to use the cash from selling Emile Smith Rowe on a deal for Eberechi Eze. The former Aston Villa striker said: "What they need to do is they need to sell players as well, that’s how it works.
"Someone like Smith Rowe. You aren’t going to play him. He never gets used. I know it’s hard for Arsenal fans. You have to make sacrifices. Arsenal have to say, ‘he is one of our own, but let’s get £30 million for him.
"You need to sell Smith Rowe. Get the money in. You could use some of that £30 million towards Eze..."
13:50Jake Stokes
Speaking to Slovenian outlet Nogomania, Benjamin Sesko explained why he decided to stay at RB Leipzig and snub Arsenal. The striker said: "I thought it through very well. I believe I made the right decision. I wanted to gain more experience, learn more, and not rush things.
"Leipzig is an excellent club that can provide what I need for the next step. Leipzig's vision is clear; everything is geared towards growth, progress, and high goals. I felt it was right to decide this way."
Sesko added: "Considering it was my first season at Leipzig, I’d rate it as excellent, given all the circumstances. Of course, I want more and believe I can achieve more.
"Leipzig always aims high, and it will be the same in the new season. The goal is for Leipzig to keep all the best players and chase those goals."
13:15Jake Stokes
According to TBR Football, Arsenal have turned down several approaches for Fabio Vieira this summer. The report states that clubs in Germany, Spain and Italy have all made enquiries about the 24-year-old midfielder, while sides from the Saudi Pro League have also been in contract.
Vieira currently faces a somewhat uncertain future at the Emirates Stadium having struggled to force himself into Mikel Arteta's plans following his move from Porto in 2022.
12:40Jake Stokes
Nico Williams' teammate Oscar de Marcos has warned the winger against a move to Barcelona. The Arsenal target has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League this summer following his impressive performances at Euro 2024.
Speaking at a press conference, the Athletic Bilbao midfielder said: "There is a belief that when Barca wants you, there is a logic that you have to go to Barcelona.
"And if you don't go, you are making a mistake. You must keep in mind that not everything that glitters is gold."
12:11Jake Stokes
Speaking to Gambling Zone, William 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."
11:00Jake Stokes
Mikel Arteta provided an update on Eddie Nketiah and Reiss Nelson Arsenal's clash against Bournemouth on Wednesday evening. The Gunners boss said: "A lot of players are being linked with potential moves.
"One way or the other. It’s normal. What I really like are the players that we have, the levels that they are showing. Especially the commitment, you can see it today just talking about those two the way they performed."
10:35Jake Stokes
According to Italian publication SportMediaSet, Arsenal are interested in former Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur target Federico Chiesa. The Juventus winger has struggled for form in recent seasons and with his contract set to expire next year, his future in Turin is uncertain.
The Lilywhites have been strongly linked with a move for Chiesa, who's said to be valued at around €25m (£20m). But, the Gunners are now said to have made contact with the Old Lady to enquire about the conditions of a potential deal for the 26-year-old.
10:05Jake Stokes
Riccardo Calafiori will join up with Arsenal on their pre-season tour of the United States after completing his move from Bologna, football.london understands. The Gunners have been in talks with the Serie A side for some time over the Italian international.
Initial offers were rebuffed with Bologna looking to secure a hefty fee given a series of sell-on clause agreements involving Calafiori's former clubs FC Basel and AS Roma. A deal involving Jakub Kiwior heading to Bologna was touted, but it's understood that the Poland international was not keen on the move.
Now though, the Italian international is set to join for an initial fee of £33.7m with up to £4.2m in add ons. The deal will make him Arsenal's second signing of the summer after David Raya's loan move from Brentford was made permanent.
09:40Jake Stokes
Speaking to reporters following Arsenal's clash against Bournemouth on Wednesday evening, Mikel Arteta was also asked for an update on Riccardo Calafiori. The Gunners boss remained coy, keeping his cards close to his chest.
"There is no update," said Arteta. "As soon as we have something to say we will be the first one to say. You know I don’t like talking about external players. But this is the situation at the moment."
