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Arsenal transfer competition emerges as Kroenke gets £140m green light

Arsenal have not yet acquired a new signing this summer but did clinch the permanent return of Piero Hincapie from Bayer Leverkusen

05:00, 05 Jul 2026

Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal, gestures a thumbs up during the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Arsenal at Selhurst Park

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Mikel Arteta could be in for a sizeable summer(Image: David Price, Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

The summer transfer window has seen a relatively subdued beginning for Mikel Arteta though activity could intensify this month.

The Arsenal manager has secured the permanent acquisition of Piero Hincapie following the defender's loan stint last season, yet has still to complete any fresh signings up to this point.

One aspect of Arteta's strategy is anticipated to involve strengthening his midfield resources ahead of another campaign where they compete across all four competitions while simultaneously defending their Premier League crown.

The north London outfit have been associated with a substantial double deal valued at £140million which has garnered glowing approval from a former Gunners star. A prospective move for a highly-rated youngster could witness the club locked in competition against their domestic rivals. We examine the latest developments emerging from the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal warned over starlet

Dario Osorio of Chile during the International Friendly match between Portugal and Chile at Estadio Nacional on June 6, 2026 in Oeiras, Portugal

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Darío Osorio has been linked with a transfer to the Premier League(Image: Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)

The Gunners are endeavouring to enhance their attacking capabilities ahead of their title defence next season, with Arteta reportedly facing stiff competition in the pursuit of Dario Osorio.

The Midtjylland winger has been labelled the 'next Alexis Sanchez' and featured prominently in Mike Tullberg's side claiming the Danish Cup last season, recording eight goals and contributing 10 assists across 49 appearances in all competitions.

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The Chilean's contract runs until June 2030 and while Arsenal represent an enticing destination, Midtjylland's sporting director confirmed that the Gunners are far from the only Premier League or European club casting an eye over their prized asset. According to ADN Deportes, as quoted by Sport Witness, Osorio is now attracting attention from Benfica.

The report suggests that newly-appointed head coach Marco Silva was an admirer of the forward during his tenure at Fulham and is now plotting to bring him to Lisbon. Midtjylland are yet to place an official price tag on the 22-year-old, with the report indicating he could be available for anywhere between £10.3m (€10.3m) and £12.9m (€15m).

Speaking to Chilean outlet ADN Deportes, Kristian Kjaer said: "We know Arsenal have been interested in Osorio, but we also know other Premier League clubs have been the same. In my opinion, the Premier League suits him very well because he has a very hard-working mentality.

"His defensive transitions are incredible, his top speed is incredible. He's a left-footed right winger who can go to either side of his direct opponent. He has everything. In Chile, he's considered the next Alexis Sánchez. I think he can make a difference in the Premier League."

Stan Kroenke urged

Arsenal's midfield has also been identified as a position requiring reinforcement with Arteta having set his sights on Newcastle star Bruno Guimaraes, while Lille's Ayyoub Bouaddi has also been linked with a switch to north London.

The Brazilian has been on the Gunners' radar since his time at Lyon and is currently valued at £80m. The Moroccan carries a reported price tag of £60m and is understood to be admired by Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta, who has allegedly held talks with the player's representatives.

Former Gunners midfielder Emmanuel Petit, no stranger to recognising a gifted central player, believes Arsenal owner Stan Kroenke should sanction the £140m double swoop.

Arsenal owners Josh Kroenke and Stan Kroenke react to Arsene Wenger during the UEFA Champions League Final 2026 match between Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal FC at Puskas Arena on May 30, 2026 in Budapest, Hungary.

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Stan Kroenke has been urged to splash the cash this summer(Image: Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)

Speaking to Jackpot City Casino, he said: "Bruno Guimaraes is a good player. If you add Ayyoub Bouaddi as well, there are some great options out there for Arsenal. But as I said, they need to clear some positions first, which means they have to sell some players.

"We will see at the end of the transfer market who comes after they sell players. If they buy more midfield players, they already have Martin Zubimendi, Declan Rice, Eberechi Eze, and Martin Odegaard. They probably need one or two more, but you have to keep everyone happy and manage the rotation of the team.

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"When you need to add quality, you need to keep possession of the ball. We didn't see that against Paris Saint-Germain. They have been the best team in the world for the last two seasons and have the greatest midfield players in terms of possession. But players like Guimaraes can hold the ball."

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