Arsenal tests Eduardo Camavinga from Madrid as Arteta sees him as a prime target to replace the outgoing Thomas Partey. Arsenal are prepared to test Los Blancos’ resolve with a £42m (€50m) bid. However, the move faces significant hurdles as the Spanish giants emphatically deem the French midfielder “not for sale” .
Arteta’s Midfield Reinvention With Camavinga
Arsenal’s pursuit intensifies following the collapse of contract talks with Partey, who will depart as a free agent on June 30 after rejecting a renewal on existing £200,000-a-week terms . While Martin Zubimendi’s £51m arrival from Real Sociedad bolsters the defensive midfield role, Arteta views Camavinga’s dynamism and versatility as a unique tactical upgrade. The 22-year-old’s ability to operate as a box-to-box midfielder or emergency left-back—a position of need after Oleksandr Zinchenko and Kieran Tierney’s expected exits—aligns with Arteta’s preference for multifaceted players .
🚨 Arsenal would be open to signing Arda Guler, Eduardo Camavinga and Rodrygo if Real Madrid made them available for sale.
A triple transfer would likely cost over £250M.
(Source: Defensa Central)
On a scale of 1-10, how likely is this deal happening? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/WrGqkwV12p
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) April 25, 2025
Real Madrid’s Firm Stance For Camavinga
Despite Arsenal’s confidence in their valuation, Madrid consider Camavinga a “pillar” of their project under new manager Xabi Alonso. Club sources insist Alonso plans to refine the midfielder’s “anarchic” style—addressing his positional discipline and over-reliance on his left foot—to unlock his potential as a “future best in the world” . With Camavinga under contract until 2029 and integral to Alonso’s tactical overhaul, Madrid dismiss any notion of negotiations. As one report bluntly stated: “Apart from Camavinga and Real Madrid, obviously” .
🚨 Eduardo Camavinga will be a KEY FIGURE for Xabi Alonso.
A high intensity player who can break the lines, Camavinga will be even more important after Luka Modrić leaves the club. @diarioas pic.twitter.com/L9mXAAwAKs
— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) June 21, 2025
Strategic Complications for Arsenal
1. Financial Feasibility: While £42m aligns with Camavinga’s market value, Madrid’s refusal to sell renders the bid symbolic. The club’s €60m valuation in other reports further complicates matters .
2. Tactical Integration: Zubimendi’s arrival and Declan Rice’s presence create a logjam in central midfield. Camavinga would likely compete with Rice for the left-sided #8 role, potentially unbalancing Arteta’s system .
3. Alternative Targets: Arsenal are hedging bets by monitoring PSG’s Warren Zaïre-Emery. Moreover, they are also keen on Barcelona’s Marc Casado (£51m), indicating contingency plans are active.
Why Camavinga?
Although, Arsenal tests Madrid as they are excited by the prospect of signing Eduardo Camavinga from Real Madrid. Mikel Arteta had a recent conversation with the midfielder, the Gunners’ pursuit of this player seems doomed to failure. The opportunity for Arsenal to sign the talented 22-year-old Frenchman came up after Thomas Partey was due to leave the club, but when they found out that they had to pay €50 million (£42 million), they seem to have swept that idea under the rug after weighing the options. It is clear Camavinga could find boxing inside pockets on either side of midfield, plus it provided a tactical fit. However, Real Madrid have unequivocally rejected any possibility of a sale. The club considers Camavinga a foundational “pillar” of their project under new manager Xabi Alonso, who values the player’s development potential and plans to refine his positional discipline.
The Verdict: A Near-Impossible Deal
Arsenal is pursuing Eduardo Camavinga after losing Thomas Partey to Al Ahli and, potentially, Jorginho. Mikel Arteta sees the 22-year-old French midfielder, capable of playing in central midfield or left-back, as a compatible player for his system. Moreover, Arsenal could put Real Madrid’s position to the test with an opening bid of €50 million (£42m). There is significant competition to get Camavinga, as Real Madrid view him as one of the “pillars” of their project. Also, manager Xabi Alonso is looking to develop Camavinga’s “anarchic” style into a part of their plans next season with a more disciplined position, presumably in central midfield. Although Arsenal have admired Camavinga for several years, it seems highly unlikely that he would leave Los Blancos this summer, as he has a contract until 2029 and Real Madrid made it clear that he is not available.
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