Several players have been linked with Arsenal as the summer transfer window swings open
05:00, 15 Jun 2026
Ayyoub Bouaddi of Morocco
View 2 Images
Ayyoub Bouaddi impressed for Morocco at the World Cup(Image: Rob Newell - CameraSport via Getty Images)
Arsenal are seeking to bolster their squad in the transfer market following a triumphant campaign. Mikel Arteta's side are Premier League champions, and the Spanish coach will be eager to extend their lead over their rivals.
The Gunners are operating from a position of considerable strength after also coming within touching distance of securing the Carabao Cup and Champions League alongside their league success. Arteta benefited from a balanced squad throughout the season but will recognise opportunities for improvement.
Arsenal can begin their transfer activity as the summer window formally opens on Monday. Several players have already been linked with potential moves to the Emirates Stadium.
West Ham United's Mateus Fernandes has emerged as a reported midfield option for the Gunners. The 21-year-old has been touted for an Arsenal move after the Hammers' relegation from the Premier League.
Meanwhile, Moroccan midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi has attracted attention following an impressive World Cup display against Brazil. football.london examines some of the major stories concerning Arsenal.
FOLLOW OUR ARSENAL FB PAGE! Latest Gunners news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page
World Cup star set for talks
Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi has emerged on Arsenal's radar following his display in Morocco's 1-1 stalemate with Brazil. The Gunners had previously been connected with a potential swoop for the teenager before the winter transfer window.
Sky Sports reports that Arsenal have been actively pursuing the 18-year-old and have maintained dialogue with the player's representatives since early 2025. It is also claimed that Arsenal have arranged further talks for after the World Cup.
Lille have placed a reported £60m valuation on Bouaddi, who has already accumulated 96 appearances for the French side. The midfielder is said to be keen on a switch to the Gunners, though Arsenal face competition from PSG for his services.
Mateus Fernandes playing for Portugal U21s
View 2 Images
Mateus Fernandes has been linked with Arsenal this summer(Image: Luis Loureiro/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
Fresh Mateus Fernandes transfer stance emerges
Mateus Fernandes carries an £80million price tag after catching the eye of Arsenal and Manchester United. Yet, despite the club's relegation, West Ham shareholder Daniel Kretinsky has maintained that the Hammers are under no obligation to sell their prized assets.
"We have a very credible strategy," Krtinsky told The Times. "We don't need to sell the players for financial reasons. We are doing this to make sure we are promoted back to the Premier League immediately. That is our only goal.
"Key players are waiting for us. They want to see there is a real chance of keeping the squad together. What matters is funding, strategy and consistency. We have spoken to all of them. They need to see that our project is real and serious. Promotion is our only goal."
Fernandes featured in 36 league fixtures, netting three times and providing four assists, though he couldn't prevent West Ham's relegation. The Portuguese international joined the Hammers from Southampton for an initial £38m last summer.
Article continues below
Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Content Image
£44
Sky
Get the deal here
Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.
Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.