Arteta wants a number of new signings this summerArteta wants a number of new signings this summer
Arteta wants a number of new signings this summer | Arsenal FC via Getty Images
All the latest news and transfer rumours surrounding Arsenal as they battle to improve their squad this summer.
Arsenal are hard at work on their summer transfers with the start of pre-season only a few weeks away. The Gunners need reinforcements aplenty this summer, with a striker signing required, along with depth in most positions.
The pressure is on for Mikel Arteta going into next season, and he hoping the help of sporting director Andrea Berta will help make all the difference as the club look to finally end their wait for another Premier League title. Here we round up all the latest news and transfer rumours surrounding the Emirates Stadium.
Williams problems
Arsenal still face a big problem if they want to sign Athletic Club star Nico Williams, with the Spaniard reportedly wanting a big pay day to make the move.
Journalist Sami Mokbel has told the Highbury Squad podcast: "Nico Williams is one that they would love to get over the line. But again, the issue and issue with Nico Williams is wages. I think they can do the release clause, but my understanding is that Nico Williams would look to be one of, if not the, highest paid player at the club." Reports in Spain have also suggested that Williams prefers to stay in Spain.
Diomande links
Arsenal are still said to be interested in signing a new centre-back this summer despite tying Gabriel Magalhaes down to a new contract. According to Just Arsenal, Sporting CP centre-back Ousmane Diomande remains a possible option, but he will not come cheap.
it’s reported that Diomande has a release clause worth £67million, and even if Sporting CP accept a deal below that, it’s likely to be a pricey transfer. Much may come down to whether Arsenal keep Jakub Kiwior this summer, with the Poland international perhaps inclined to move on to get more regular first team football.
Kiwior became a key player again in the final weeks of the season due to Gabriel’s injury, but the reality is that he will almost certainly play second fiddle to Saliba and Gabriel if he stays next term, and that could lead him to want to move. Then again, if Diomande even costs more than £50million, that would be a lot of money to commit to a back-up player, assuming Arteta doesn’t want to risk displacing one of his current two centre-back starters.
Parlour questions Kepa move
Ray Parlour has told Kepa Arrizabalaga to carefully consider his reported chance to join Arsenal to become the club’s new number two ahead of the new season. “It’s all on whether he wants to play, he’s not going to play at Arsenal is he?” he told talkSPORT.
“He’s going to be the No.2, do you want to be No.2? He’s obviously been No.1 at Bournemouth. If you’re Arsenal, you want to buy him because he’s a great No.2 to have. But if you’re Kepa, you want to play unless you’re happy to sit on the bench but if I was a keeper at his age I’d want to play because you’ll regret it once you finish.”
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