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Arsenal Transfer News Today: Declan Rice in demand as Arteta pleads for signings

31 May 2026 20:08 BST | 7 min read

Arsenal TNT, Declan Rice

Cameron Smith

Cameron Smith | Digital Content Producer

Accredited sports journalist covering football since 2020

FootballTransfers runs through the latest Arsenal transfer news, rumours and gossip, including updates on Declan Rice and Mikel Arteta.

Real Madrid eye Declan Rice deal

Real Madrid officials are reportedly keen for club president Florentino Perez to pursue a deal for Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice when the 2026 summer transfer window opens.

That is according to transfer reporter Graeme Bailey, who told TEAMtalk" href="https://www.teamtalk.com/news/real-madrid-transfer-news-declan-rice-move-florentino-perez-arsenal-stance" target="_blank">TEAMtalk: “They [Real Madrid] love the thought of Rodri, whilst Florentino Perez is a confirmed admirer of Enzo Fernandez, who has made it clear in previous months that he is keen to leave Stamford Bridge.

“But one name that I have heard is Declan Rice. Some who have the ear of Perez are making it clear to him that they should be making sure Rice is on their radar.”

Rice joined Arsenal for €116.6m in 2023 and the Gunners are widely expected to reject any approaches for his signature this summer, while the England star has indicated no desire to leave either.

Mikel Arteta plea

Mikel Arteta has urged the Arsenal board to back him in the transfer market this summer as his side look to bounce back from the heartbreaking defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final.

Addressing the media after the painful loss to PSG, the Spaniard said: “We'll start to make some very important decisions if we want to reach another level.

“And we're going to have to show that ambition because we are more than capable of doing it, but it's going to demand us to be very ambitious, very fast and very smart.”

Igor Thiago wanted

Arteta has reportedly identified the number nine position as a key area in need of an upgrade and he has earmarked Brentford striker Igor Thiago as a top target, as per IndyKaila" href="https://x.com/indykaila/status/2061015301433471048" target="_blank">IndyKaila.

The Brazil centre forward, who has been selected for the 2026 World Cup, scored 22 Premier League goals for Keith Andrews’ side this season, and Arsenal are among the clubs to have been linked with a move in recent months.

The Gunners hierarchy reportedly rate Thiago extremely highly and they are keen to pursue a deal when the summer window opens in June.

Igor Thiago, Brentford

Rafael Leao admission

AC Milan winger Rafael Leao has confirmed his desire to leave the club this summer, with Arsenal among the clubs reportedly keeping tabs on his situation at San Siro.

“Personally, I've given everything at AC Milan. It's a club that helped me grow a lot and supported me through tough times,” the Portugal international told Sport TV" href="https://www.footballtransfers.com/en/transfer-news/uk-premier-league/2026/05/rafael-leao-man-utd-and-arsenal-on-alert-as-winger-announces-ac-milan-exit" target="_blank">Sport TV.

“Fortunately, I managed to make my mark in their history. Everyone has ambitions and I dream of a new challenge in a new league. If that happens, I'll be very happy and fulfilled because I did my job at AC Milan.”

Dani Olmo to join?

Arsenal have identified Barcelona star Dani Olmo as a possible replacement for club captain Martin Odegaard, according to Spanish outlet Fichajes" href="https://www.fichajes.net/noticias/arsenal-busca-sustituto-odegaard-barca-20260530.html" target="_blank">Fichajes.

Odegaard, 28, helped Arsenal win their first Premier League title since 2004 this season, but his form was a concern and the club are searching the market for a new attacking midfielder, with Morgan Rogers considered to be a top target.

Olmo is reportedly on their radar too, with Barcelona potentially open to a sale if they receive a suitable offer for the Spain international.

Dani Olmo, Barcelona

Bayern Munich join Eli Junior Kroupi race

Arsenal and Chelsea have suffered a blow to their hopes of signing Eli Junior Kroupi after learning Bayern Munich have joined the race to sign Bournemouth’s teenage sensation.

Kroupi has established himself as one of the best young players in the world following a remarkable breakthrough season with Bournemouth, scoring 13 times to help the Cherries qualify for next season’s Europa League.

Several top Premier League teams want to sign him this summer, but, according to German publication Absolut Bayern via Merkur" href="https://www.merkur.de/sport/fc-bayern/der-liste-des-fc-bayern-er-ist-ein-offensivjuwel-neuer-name-auf-zr-94327120.html#google_vignette" target="_blank">Absolut Bayern via Merkur, Bundesliga heavyweights Bayern are also interested in signing the France Under-21 international.

Bayern were keen to sign Newcastle United attacker Anthony Gordon as cover for Michael Olise, Harry Kane and Luis Diaz - who plundered over 100 goals between them this season - but they were pipped to the England star by Barcelona this week.

Morgan Rogers update

Arsenal target Morgan Rogers is “expected” to leave Aston Villa during the upcoming summer transfer window as Unai Emery’s side look to comply with financial regulations ahead of the new campaign.

The Gunners are eager to finalise a deal for the England attacker this summer and they are currently exploring a summer transfer, as confirmed by FootballTransfers" href="https://www.footballtransfers.com/en/transfer-news/uk-premier-league/2026/05/exclusive-arsenal-plot-blockbuster-morgan-rogers-transfer-after-secret-groundwork" target="_blank">as confirmed by FootballTransfers. We understand that Mikel Arteta’s side have already conducted extensive groundwork on a potential deal, with Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta a keen admirer of the player.

Furthermore, Ben Jacobs has confirmed that Rogers is set to secure a transfer this summer due to Villa’s current situation. He told GiveMeSport" href="https://www.givemesport.com/arsenal-serious-sign-best-player-premier-league-morgan-rogers/" target="_blank">GiveMeSport: “Morgan Rogers is expected to leave Aston Villa.

“This isn't about Rogers pushing for a move away, he loves Unai Emery and Villa have Champions League football but they still have some financial hurdles to jump over even with that extra money.

“Four teams in particular are active. Arsenal are one serious contender, they want a starting left-winger. Chelsea are looking for a creative-minded attacker. Man Utd and Rogers may develop and PSG might be a bit of a dark horse as well.”

Morgan Rogers, Aston Villa

Jamie Carragher delivers transfer verdict

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has told Arsenal to improve their forward options this summer following their Champions League final defeat to PSG on penalties.

Speaking to Sky Sports on Sunday morning, Carragher admitted: “Arsenal are fantastic, the best team in the world at defending their own box and their two centre-backs were outstanding last night, but even though they are the champions of England they need better attackers.

“If they get better attackers will they fulfil their absolute potential? I’m asking because we know Mikel Arteta asks a lot of his attacking players in terms of getting back and helping the full-backs. But when you look at the quality of the front four of PSG compared to Arsenal, it’s night and day.

“But I do look at the centre-forward position and I look at the left wing position and I think they need big upgrades if they’re going to win the Champions League.”