Mikel Arteta’s side are on the upward trajectory in the Premier League and there are some intriguing storylines swirling around the Arsenal transfer news this summer.
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After pushing for the Premier League title in the 2022-23 season but coming up short at the business end of the campaign, there is an extremely good squad already assembled and Arsenal will be in the UEFA Champions League next season.
That means extra experience, quality and depth are required.
Arteta continues to rejuvenate an already stunning attack that includes Gabriel Jesus, Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and captain Martin Odegaard, but it is perhaps in midfield and defense where he will look to do business this summer.
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Below we roundup the latest done deals, reports and rumors and give our analysis on Arsenal transfer news as Joe Prince-Wright (JPW), Nicholas Mendola (NM) and Andy Edwards (AE) will guide you through a hectic next few months.
Arsenal expiring contracts, June 30
- Ainsley Maitland-Niles (22 PL appearances - loan to Southampton)
- Reiss Nelson (11 appearances)
Arsenal transfer needs, summer 2023
- Center back - With only Gabriel and William Saliba as trusted options in the center of defense, at least two more rotational starters of Premier League/Champions League-caliber are required.
- Defensive midfielder - Jorginho was a savvy January signing with Thomas Partey frequently injured and increasingly a liability as the 2022-23 season wore on, and the Gunners’ title hopes dissipated.
- Central midfielder - Beyond Martin Odegaard and Granit Xhaka (the latter of whom might leave this summer), only Emile Smith Rowe, who made just 12 sub appearances in the PL last season due to injuries, has any kind of track record as a creative contributor (assuming Oleksandr Zinchenko remains at left back).
Arsenal transfers confirmed, summer 2023
In
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Out
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Arsenal rumors, transfer news today, live!
June 20 - Arsenal make another bid for Kai Havertz
It appears that Arsenal really, really want Kai Havertz from Chelsea. Per a report from the Daily Mail, Arsenal have made a verbal offer of $76.4 million for Havertz after Chelsea rejected their initial offer for the German forward. It is clear that Chelsea must balance the books this summer and they are going to move on more than 15 players as Todd Boehly and Co. totally rebuild the squad once again. Chelsea should snap off Arsenal’s hand for this huge fee for Havertz. Why? Havertz just won’t fit Mauricio Pochettino’s system and overall he has struggled with the tempo of the Premier League (yes, I know, he scored the winner in the Champions League final...) since his arrival from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer of 2020. However, his versatility and the way he glides between the attacking lines means he is perfect for Arsenal’s system and Mikel Arteta is being very savvy in trying to make the most of Chelsea’s need to balance the books. In the right system and alongside the right players, Havertz could be lethal and he is much more than a goalscorer. (JPW)
June 20 - Arsenal bid for Jurrien Timber
Arsenal are ‘working on a deal’ to sign Ajax and Netherlands defender Jurrien Timber. Per David Ornstein, Arsenal have offered $38.1 million for Timber, who is a versatile defender. It is believed Timber would be asked to play as a center back or a right back in the Ben White role and like Oleksandr Zinchenko on the left of Arsenal’s defense, Timber is very comfortable coming inside with the ball and almost playing as a central midfielder. Timber was heavily linked with a move to Manchester United last summer but it seems like the Gunners are now leading the charge. If they can agree a deal with Ajax, this would be another very smart signing and a big upgrade on the right-side of their defense. (JPW)
🚨 EXCLUSIVE: Arsenal working on deal to sign Ajax defender Jurrien Timber. #AFC have made an opening offer worth ~£30m. #Ajax want ~£50m but optimism a compromise will be reached. Personal terms with Netherlands int’l thought to be in place @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/mdMeSXp3ff
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) June 19, 2023
June 20 - Arsenal submit $114 million bid for Declan Rice; Report say West Ham want $127 million
Okay, it is moving forward. According to a report from our partners in the UK at Sky Sports, Arsenal have submitted a second bid of $114 million to West Ham for Declan Rice. Per the report, the Gunners have offered $95 million up front plus $19 million in add ons. Rice, 24, is Arsenal’s main target this summer and with just one year left on his contract at West Ham this is a monster offer. Can West Ham afford to refuse this? Probably not. But Fabrizio Romano has stated that the bid has been rejected as West Ham expect Manchester City to bid for Declan Rice this week and the Guardian have also reported that the Hammers want $127.3 million for Rice.
Arsenal have submitted a bid for West Ham's Declan Rice worth £75m, plus £15m in add ons. 🔴 pic.twitter.com/2w7IrgrBK7
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) June 20, 2023
West Ham obviously want to drive the price as high as possible but given Rice’s desire to move on and all he has done for the club, this seems like a fair offer from Arsenal to West Ham. If this move happens, Arsenal’s talented young side has just got one of the best young central midfielders in the game and Rice is only going to get better. This is the perfect signing for Mikel Arteta’s side and a perfect fit for Rice as he aims to keep Arsenal in title pushes for many years to come. (JPW)
West Ham are expected to reject 2nd proposal from Arsenal for Declan Rice — £90m total fee, £75m + £15m add ons 🚨⚪️🔴 #AFC
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 20, 2023
West Ham believe £15m add-ons are also difficult to achieve.
Hammers still expect Man City to enter the race this week.
Arsenal remain confident. pic.twitter.com/SPSe1afJxf
June 19 - Thomas Partey to be moved on by Arsenal
A report from The Daily Telegraph says that Thomas Partey will be allowed to leave Arsenal this summer if the Gunners find a suitable replacement. That replacement is believed to be Romeo Lavia, as the Belgian youngster is one of their top midfield targets alongside Declan Rice. With Granit Xhaka expected to move on to Bayer Leverkusen in the coming weeks, Partey, 30, is also surplus to requirements. The Ghanian midfielder struggled massively in the final months of last season and Mikel Arteta wants to rebuild his engine room. When you look around Arsenal’s team, central midfield is the main area they need to improve in and despite being very solid for most of his time with the Gunners Partey can have no complaints if he is moved on this summer. (JPW)
June 17 - Arsenal focus on Romeo Lavia to bolster midfield options
The Daily Mail are reporting that Arsenal are the latest Premier League giant to enter the race for 19-year-old Romeo Lavia. The Southampton midfielder dazzled for the Saints last season and made his international debut for Belgium. Per the report, Saints want $65 million for Lavia who can reportedly be bought by Man City in the summer of 2024 for $50 million due to a clause in his contract. He is considered as one of the best holding midfielders under the age of 21 in Europe. Lavia looks likely to move on from the relegated Saints and the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool all want to sign him. Is Arsenal the best fit for him? Probably. With Granit Xhaka leaving and Thomas Partey struggling down the stretch last season, Mikel Arteta wants to upgrade his midfield options and apparently Lavia and Declan Rice are seen as the perfect duo in midfield. They both excel at winning the ball back, keeping it and then using it wisely. Imagine that duo together feeding Odegaard, Saka, Martinelli and Co.? (JPW)
June 17 - Chelsea turn down Arsenal offer for Kai Havertz; Bayern Munich interested
According to The Telegraph, Chelsea have turned down Arsenal’s latest offer for Kai Havertz but talks are ongoing. Per the report, Chelsea want $90 million for Havertz but it is believed they will lower their price as they want to raise funds and move players on this summer. Havertz is said to be keen on the move and in the right system, he could flourish. It has never quite clicked for him at Chelsea and you feel like he could ghost between the lines very well at Arsenal and would be a great option to play in tandem with Gabriel Jesus or to rotate with him. The German forward wasn’t expected to be a name heavily involved in the transfer window this summer but it according to our partners at Sky Sports in Germany, Bayern Munich are now interested in Havertz too. (JPW)
June 14 - Arsenal make opening offer to Chelsea for Kai Havertz
With their return to the UEFA Champions League on the horizon, Arsenal are targeting not only greater quality this summer, but also greater depth. Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Jesus, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Martinelli led the attack magnificently last season, but the Gunners clearly feel that further investment is required to compete on the two biggest stages of European football.
According to a report from NBC Sports’ Premier League insider David Ornstein, Arsenal have been in contact with Chelsea as they pursue a deal for forward Kai Havertz. After spending in excess of $600 million between the summer and January transfer windows last season, Chelsea find themselves in the unenviable position of having a massively bloated squad, meaning they will likely be forced to sell a number of expensive signings at heavily discounted prices with little to no negotiating leverage. Bayern Munich, who are now coached by former Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel, are also reportedly interested in Havertz, who has two years left on his Chelsea contract. (AE)
June 13 - Arsenal ‘confident’ of Declan Rice deal
Arsenal are reportedly ‘confident’ of signing Declan Rice this summer. According to Fabrizio Romano, a deal for Rice remains a ‘work in progress’ as the Gunners aim to sign the England international from West Ham. The Hammers have already admitted that they will allow Rice to move on this summer after he captained them to UEFA Europa Conference League glory, with the 24-year-old having just one year left on his contract. It is believed West Ham want $113 million for Rice and that the England international wants a move to Arsenal. He will be a direct replacement for Granit Xhaka and seems like the perfect fit for Mikel Arteta’s side as he will win the ball back and get it to Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli quickly. (JPW)
Granit Xhaka, still prepared to join Bayer Leverkusen once Arsenal will sign a new midfielder. ⚪️🔴 #AFC
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 13, 2023
Work in progress for Declan Rice deal, Arsenal confident since last week — more to follow. https://t.co/QmcbS6Fi6S
June 12 - Arsenal, West Ham talks over Rice ‘progressing smoothly’
The Guardian reports that Declan Rice is going to become the most expensive purchase in Arsenal history, and that West Ham and Arsenal are not having too many problems figuring out a deal.
The report says there’s yet to be a bid but that Arsenal understands West Ham’s expected nine-figure asking price and will easily go over that figure with add-ons.
Rice, 24, has been widely-linked with a move this summer, with Arsenal most often linked but Chelsea and Bayern Munich attached to him in the rumor mill as well.
This would seem like a home run, and Londoners could debate which $100 million midfielder -- Rice or Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez -- was a better buy for their club. (NM)
June 12 - Arsenal open talks to sign Timothy Castagne
File this one under: ‘hmmm, this make sense.’ According to journalist Sacha Tavolieri, Arsenal have opened talks to sign Belgian defender Timothy Castagne from Leicester City. The versatile Belgium international can play at right back and left back and will provide valuable cover for Mikel Arteta’s side. He also has vast experience, is calm in possession and is very comfortable playing further forward and getting into the final third. Castagne, 27, is a very reliable player and this move makes perfect sense for Arsenal as they continue to bolster their squad with players who fit their style of play. (JPW)
🚨🔴 #ArsenalFC now going for Timothy #Castagne ! Considered as
— Sacha Tavolieri (@sachatavolieri) June 11, 2023
a number 2 target behind I.Fresneda for the right-back position, #AFC started the talks with #LeicesterCity in order to find a deal for the #DiablesRouges.
I understand things could develop quickly.
⏳ Wait & See. pic.twitter.com/gwY2KmIMTh
June 10 - Arsenal prepared to pay for Man City want-away
Joao Cancelo is not going to Bayern Munich and Mikel Arteta is apparently happy to lure the Man City playmaker to North London.
Football Transfers says that Arsenal’s been quoted an approximate $56 million price tag for the playmaking fullback, who cost a bit more than that when City took him off Juventus’ hands in 2019.
Cancelo turned 29 late last months and featured for City and loan club Bayern Munich this season to the tune of three goals and 11 assists in 3,161 minutes. (NM)
June 4 - Arsenal midfield targets include Feyenoord star
The Gunners’ changes in midfield this summer could be more than simply chasing Declan Rice and replacing Granit Xhaka, but let’s focus on the latter.
Football.London claims that Arsenal’s found their ideal replacement for Xhaka, who is said to be nearing a Bayer Leverkusen move, and that Orkun Kokcu of Feyenoord is the man to take his place.
The Dutch-born Turkey international, 22, scored 12 times with five assists across all competitions last season and his ball progression and passing stats are out of this world (at least compared to the “next tier” of leagues by FBref.com).
It could take a $50M+ deal to land Kokcu, and the same report connects Arsenal with interest in Ilkay Gundogan, Moises Caicedo, Mason Mount, and Martin Zubimendi. (NM)
May 30 - Declan Rice linked with Bayern Munich
Our partners at Sky Germany say that Bayern Munich are very interested in signing Declan Rice from West Ham. Bayern, who won their 11-straight Bundesliga title on the final day of the season, have made Rice, 24, their top target as Thomas Tuchel is a huge fan of the England international.
Here is more from Sky Germany reporter Uli Kohler: “Tuchel had a phone call with Rice. I don’t know what they were talking about - maybe money, maybe about what he can expect here [in Munich]. Bayern is keen on him. They need a strong defensive midfielder but everybody knows there are a lot of other clubs interested in him. Bayern could afford it. They would like to keep it below €100m [£86.4m]. They have to look at their accounts very closely but I think they can afford it.”
Rice has long been linked with a move to Arsenal or Manchester United but it is believed that West Ham’s asking price for their captain and central midfielder (who is out of contract next summer) is putting up Premier League clubs. Bayern appear to be ready to pay close to the $120 million West Ham want for Rice. Is he worth it? He is. There is perhaps no better two-way central midfielder under the age of 25 in Europe and Rice’s ceiling is extremely high. (JPW)
May 23 - Bukayo Saka signs improved, extended contract
Bukayo Saka had hardly been linked with a move away from Arsenal, but with just one year left on his existing deal, the 21-year-old winger has put pen to paper on a new contract for three more years and (presumably) a lot more money. With one game left this season, Saka leads Arsenal in goals (13) and assists (11). Unfortunately for the rest of the Premier League, Saka’s very best is still probably to come. (AE)
May 22 - Mount, Rice, Gundogan key targets this summer
A report from The Athletic says that Arsenal want to sign Mason Mount, Declan Rice and Ilkay Gundogan this summer. With Granit Xhaka set to move on this summer and Arsenal struggling in central midfield (especially Thomas Partey) in the final months of this season, it is an area where Arteta wants to strengthen. Declan Rice is the main target but it will cost a huge amount to sign him from West Ham (reportedly over $130 million) despite Rice, 24, only having one more year left on his contract. Rice’s close friend Mount also has just a year left on his Chelsea contract and it appears he could be leaving Stamford Bridge this summer. Per the report, Liverpool and Manchester United both want to sign Mount from Chelsea too.
As for Gundogan, he is another player who has just one year left on his contract at Manchester City and the City skipper has long been linked with a move to Barcelona. On paper it seems like Gundogan, 32, could be a really good addition to this Arsenal side. He would help the youngsters continue to develop, while he has worked closely with Mikel Arteta before when the current Arsenal boss was assistant coach at Man City. We’ve all seen how well Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko have settled in at Arsenal after arriving from Man City and Gundogan would provide the quality, experience and winning knowhow Arsenal need to make the next step. (JPW)
May 15 - Arsenal joined by Man Utd in Simakan pursuit
Mikel Arteta is targeting 23-year-old RB Leipzig center back Mohamed Simakan, though he’ll face competition from within the Premier League according to Fichajes.
Simakan has produced three goals and eight assists across all competitions this season, also spending time at right back and even a bit more advanced over the course of the campaign.
A very good passer and monster in the air, the French young international left Strasbourg for Leipzig in 2021 and has been a force this season despite missing a handful of games for various ailments. (NM)
April 18 - Declan Rice prefers move to Arsenal, not Newcastle, this summer
With just one year remaining on his current contract, Declan Rice is all but certain to leave West Ham this summer, as Arsenal and Newcastle are both 1) preparing to be in next season’s UEFA Champions League, and 2) very interested in the 24-year-old services.
However, all signs point toward Rice and Arsenal arranging a deal sometime in the coming weeks and/or months. According to a report from talkSPORT, Rice prefers to make the short move from east London to north London, where the Mikel Arteta requires a defensive-minded midfielder around which to build the next team in his Arsenal project.
West Ham will hope to get somewhere in the neighborhood of $125 million for Rice, but that could be a difficult sales pitch to Arsenal, who could simply wait 12 more months and sign him for free. (AE)
April 9 - Gunners could vie with Tottenham for Ligue 1 hotshot
Montpellier striker Elye Wahi’s 12 goals and three assists this season have Arsenal and Tottenham (as well as PSG) looking to woo the striker to North London this summer, according to French site Jeunes Footeux.
Wahi turned 20 in January and he has a contract through the 2024-25 season so he won’t come cheap. The report says Montpellier’s asking for around $35 million.
The center forward’s more than 6-feet tall and had four goals and an assist in his last four games entering Sunday’s league match with Toulouse.
The advanced stats say Wahi’s a raw scorer; He carries the ball above average but has been effective almost strictly as a finisher. Mikel Arteta already has a young English-American center forward coming back from loan in France and a few options already in North London but... maybe? (NM)
April 1 - Aurelien Tchouameni targeted by Arsenal (again)
Real Madrid splashed a lot of cash on Monaco star Aurelien Tchouameni, but his status as an expensive player who isn’t starting opens him up for a sale, according to Catalan site El Nacional.
Long-linked with Arsenal and Liverpool before moving to Real, Tchouameni is also being mentioned as a target for Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea, and Manchester United.
The 23-year-old has played very well when called upon, as advertised an excellent ball mover who relishes his space when the opponent has the ball.
Carlo Ancelotti has found minutes for Tchouameni but the loaded midfield situation means Real boss Florentino Perez is looking at an $80 million player who is often on the bench to start games. Could he look to recoup fees to splash on a striker? (NM)
March 20 - Arsenal wants Galatasaray fullback
Mikel Arteta wants some new blood at right back and his club is looking to Turkey for a French youngster.
Sacha Boey, 22, has been capped by France at several youth levels but has launched his profile sky high this season with Galatasaray.
Boey has two goals in 23 appearances this year, having moved from Rennes in 2021. He previously racked up 30-plus Ligue 1 appearances between Rennes and Dijon.
A report from Turkish site Aksam has Arsenal leading the race of Lyon, Sporting Lisbon, and Premier League clubs Crystal Palace and Aston Villa. (NM)
February 27 - Gunners linked with Serie A star striker, midfielder
Mikel Arteta sees some things he likes in Italy, where World Cup winner Lautaro Martinez and Serbia star Sergej Milinkovic-Savic are reported as targets for the Arsenal.
Martinez, 25, had been starring for Inter Milan long before he helped Lionel Messi win a World Cup, and the Argentine has 16 goals and seven assists across all competitions this season.
TeamTalk says that Chelsea and Manchester United are also looking at the super star striker, who could pair up very nicely with Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka.
Calcio Mercato has the report on Milinkovic-Savic to Arsenal. Could the Lazio star finally make his move to the Premier League after being linked with an England transfer for ages?
The 27-year-old has 39 caps and seven goals for Serbia, and he’s twice been Serie A Best XI, including last season. Milinkovic-Savic is Lazio’s two-time defending Player of the Year.
Milinkovic-Savic is among the complete midfielders in the game. Newcastle and West Ham have also been heavily linked with his services, but only one is currently on pace to offer him European football. Advantage: Arsenal? (NM)
February 25 - Arsenal eye Atalanta striker
Can never have enough finishers, can you?
Arsenal is said to be joining Real Madrid, Manchester United, and Newcastle in pursuit of 20-year-old Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund.
Twice-capped by Denmark, Hojlund started at home with Copenhagen before heading to Austria’s Sturm Graz.
Hojlund has 13 goals and five assists in 29 appearances across all competitions between Sturm Graz and Atalanta, scoring against Dynamo Kiev in Champions League qualification for the latter.
He’s one to watch, but it’s also worth noting that Atalanta just purchased him in summer and is very much in the race for Champions League places in Serie A. He could do worse than collecting some group stage seasoning in the UCL and UEL at a club that spotted him early. Heck, would a club like Arsenal consider a summer buy and loan back to Italy? (NM)
February 25 - Bukayo Saka, William Saliba approach new deals
Reports out of North London say that Arsenal is nearing new deals with 21-year-olds: Center back William Saliba and, perhaps more eye-catching, playmaker Bukayo Saka.
Saka signed his current deal in 2019 and it runs through the end of the 2023-24 season: It’s safe to say his career has since found a new level.
London-born and with 24 England caps, Saka is one of the faces of Arsenal’s renaissance. A relentless worker off the ball, he has nine goals and eight assists in Premier League play this season and would fetch a heaping helping of salary on the open market.
Easy decision for the Gunners, given his status within the team. (NM)
Arsenal confirmed transfers & signings – January 2023 window
Ins
Leandro Trossard - Brighton & Hove Albion ($33.4 million)
Jorginho - Chelsea ($14.8 million)
Jakub Kiwior - Spezia (undisclosed)
Outs
Brooke Norton-Cuffy (Coventry) Loan
Miguel Azeez (Wigan) Loan
Arthur Okonkwo (Sturm Graz) Loan
Ovie Ejeheri (SJK Seinajoki) Loan
Harry Clarke (Ipswich Town)
Arsenal archived transfer news, January 2023
January 31 - Arsenal confirm Jorginho signing
Jorginho has joined Arsenal on an 18-month contract, for a reported fee of $14.8 million. The 31-year-old Italian, who started 15 of 20 Premier League games for Chelsea this season, should be an incredibly useful (and experienced) figure for Mikel Arteta, as the Gunners try to lift the PL trophy for the first time since 2004.
Welcome to The Arsenal, Jorginho 👊 pic.twitter.com/jHXqAUBKKQ
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 31, 2023
January 31 - Arsenal moves for Jorginho as Caicedo move collapses
Brighton wasn’t lying when it came to their desire to keep Moises Caicedo for a European push, and Arsenal has made a new plan.
Reports say that Arsenal will sign Chelsea midfielder Jorginho on an 18-month deal with an option for an additional year. The price tag? About $15 million.
Sure some Arsenal fans won’t love buying a player off of Chelsea, but Jorginho is one of the great game readers of his generation. The risk is low. (NM)
January 29 - Brighton without Caicedo as talks continue
A report from the Daily Mail says Arsenal have submitted a second bid for Moises Caicedo, with an improved offer of $86.6 million going in. Brighton are said to want $100 million for Caicedo. He did not play against Liverpool in the FA Cup on Sunday and reportedly he will not be around the team until Feb. 1, after the transfer deadline. Brighton have told Caicedo they want him to stay but his social media posting asking to be allowed to leave has put the writing on the wall. Will Arsenal up their offer and get their main ahead of Chelsea? (JPW)
De Zerbi: “Caicedo is a good guy. We will see. We hope he stays with us but this question for the club and Moises”🚨🇪🇨 #BHAFC #AFC
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 29, 2023
“In life you can make mistakes. We will see the best solution for the club, for Caicedo and for us”, De Zerbi tells ITV via @AndyNaylorBHAFC. pic.twitter.com/fT9B2P6HFg
January 28 - Moises Caicedo saga takes another twist
Ecuadorian midfielder Moises Caicedo has reportedly not shown up for training at Brighton after previously posting a message on social media asking for him to be allowed to leave. Arsenal reportedly had a $65 million bid for Caicedo rejected as Brighton do not want to sell him in January. Fabrizio Romano has said that Arsenal will go in with an improved offer. Caicedo, 21, has been a revelation for the Seagulls and has been chased by Chelsea, and many other Premier League heavyweights, since the summer. This latest twist could force Brighton’s hand in the final hours of the January window but they are likely to want closer to $85 million for their talented box-to-box midfielder. (JPW)
EXCL: Moises Caicedo didn’t turn up for training today — he wants leave immediately. Caicedo could also miss tomorrow’s game. ⚠️ #BHAFC
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 28, 2023
🚨 Understand Arsenal are expected to improve their bid, after £60m revealed yesterday. #AFC
🔵 Chelsea offered £55m — rejected too. #CFC pic.twitter.com/Xzt2f43ACI
January 26 - Amadou Onana also an option
It has been reported by The Times that Chelsea have stepped up interest in Everton’s Belgium midfielder Amadou Onana. The 21-year-old has been one of the only bright spots in Everton’s dreadful campaign and the Belgian international is seen as a player Chelsea can sign this month to bolster their midfield and is easier (and much cheaper) to acquire than Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo. Onana arrived at Goodison from Lille last summer for a deal worth up to $40 million. It is believed Chelsea have offered $62 million initially for Onana, who can drive forward from midfield, is tidy on the ball and just always seems to make things happen. One problem: does Onana want to sign for Chelsea? A report from Belgian outlet Nieuwsblad states that Onana has rejected a move to Chelsea and wants to stay at Everton and keep them in the Premier League. There same report also says that a move to Arsenal could be a more realistic option for Onana. Are Arsenal and Chelsea settle to battle it out for yet another player? Keep a close eye on Onana late in this window. (JPW)
January 26 - Huge offer for Caicedo on the way?
It appears that Arsenal and Chelsea are going to go head-to-head for plenty of new signings and Moises Caicedo is the latest star player at the center of the battle. A report from the London Evening Standard says that Arsenal could spend $93 million on Caicedo, 21, as Chelsea have baulked at Brighton’s asking price and look to have moved on to other targets. The Ecuadorian midfielder has been a revelation in the Premier League this season and is exactly the kind of player Arsenal have made a habit of recruiting over the last few years: young, hungry, physical and focused. Caicedo has been chased by Chelsea for months and most expected him to join his former Brighton boss Graham Potter at Stamford Bridge in the upcoming transfer windows. Wherever he goes, Caicedo will make Brighton a huge profit and looks set for a brilliant Premier League as a holding midfielder. (JPW)
January 25 - One back in (from La Liga), one out to Fulham
Reports say that Arsenal will led Cedric Soares head on loan to London neighbors Fulham, but not without a replacement.
Sky Sports says that Arsenal and Borussia Dortmund are in hot pursuit of Real Valladolid right back Ivan Fresneda.
Marca says that Fresneda missed Valladolid training amid reports that Arsenal matched BVB’s $15 million bid for the back.
The 18-year-old has started regularly for Valladolid this season when healthy and has represented Spain at the U-18 and U-19 levels.
Valladolid doesn’t have a lot of the ball so there are limited ways to judge his attacking production even by advanced metrics, but he does rank well in receiving the ball and has terrific numbers in tackles, interceptions, and clearances according to FBref.com. (NM)
January 24 - Leeds join battle for McKennie
After USMNT midfielder Weston McKennie was linked with a move to Arsenal, it appears that Leeds United are also keen on the American. According to Fabrizio Romano, McKennie is an option Leeds are looking at. With Tyler Adams and Brenden Aaronson already at Elland Road, thanks largely to American coach Jesse Marsch, perhaps McKennie will head to Leeds where he will likely play every week? That probably won’t be the case at Arsenal, at least initially. (JPW)
Leeds are exploring new options for the midfield including Weston McKennie. It’s one of the possibilities considered by the club as @MatteMoretto has reported ⚪️🇺🇸 #LUFC
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 24, 2023
The list still includes Azzedine Ounahi after opening bid made weeks ago. pic.twitter.com/GyTQZdDnYs
January 23 - Arsenal unveils Polish back Jakub Kiwior from Spezia
Arsenal’s gone to Serie A for its latest signing, 22-year-old Jakub Kiwior of Spezia and the Poland national team.
A member of Poland’s World Cup team, Kiwior had been with Spezia since the start of the 2021-22 season.
The left-footed center back has nine caps for Poland and started all four of the club’s matches at the 2022 World Cup.
Kiwior turns 23 next month and will wear No. 15. A fee has not been disclosed.
💬 "It’s huge for me that Arsenal were interested and that I’m able to be here."
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 23, 2023
We're so happy to have you here, Jakub 🙌
January 23 - USMNT star Weston McKennie linked with Arsenal transfer
According to a report from Gazzetta dello Sport, USMNT midfielder Weston McKennie is wanted by Arsenal. Per the report, Arsenal are in talks with Juve and are willing to spend around $22-27 million on McKennie. The American midfielder could be part of the mass exodus at Juventus given the recent turmoil at the club, as the Italian giants were just handed a 15-point deduction amid ongoing investigations into finances and the governance of the club. The report says McKennie could be sell to fund the arrival of a new winger. McKennie has long been linked with Tottenham, and other PL clubs, but this move to Arsenal would suit his style of play very well and he would be a great midfielder to rotate in for Xhaka and Partey, while his versatility means he can slot in at right back, center back and elsewhere. (JPW)
January 23 - Declan Rice linked with Arsenal again
Okay, so Arsenal are definitely trying to sign a central midfielder. And it seems like Declan Rice is their top target for this summer. Rice’s contract at West Ham is ticking down and although Chelsea and Manchester United also wanted to sign the England international, a report from the Guardian says that Rice would prefer a move to Arsenal (JPW)
January 21 - Eduardo Camavinga loan talks
This is a real surprise, isn’t it? According to the London Evening Standard, Arsenal are in talks with Real Madrid over a loan move for Eduardo Camavinga. The 20-year-old France international has struggled to become a regular at Real and it appears he wants more regular action. Will he get that at Arsenal? It’s hard to see the duo of Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey being broken up but maybe Camavinga could play alongside them both in a more defensive midfield setup? Camavinga is a quality player and if Arsenal can get this loan move sealed, it significantly strengthens their options in central midfield. (JPW)
January 20 - Leandro Trossard confirmed as newest Arsenal signing
North London's newest arrival. pic.twitter.com/utp1apPmmv
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 20, 2023
January 19 - Trossard talks intensify
It seems like Leandro Trossard is getting closer to joining Arsenal in January. Per Fabrizio Romano, the Brighton and Belgium star has agreed personal terms and is just waiting for the Gunners and Seagulls to agree a transfer fee. Trossard, 28, has fallen out with Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi and is out of their plans. It has been reported that Brighton want over $33 million for Trossard as he has just six months left on his current contract but Brighton can also trigger an extra year so he basically has 18 months left on his current deal. Would this be a good move for Arsenal? Absolutely, 1000 percent yes. Trossard can slot into several different roles in their wide, midfield and attacking areas and can also do a job at full back or wing-back. He is versatile, has quality on the ball and this season he has added plenty of goals to his name. Mikel Arteta needs extra depth in wide areas and Trossard provides that. It will be key to keeping Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli fresh. This is one of those situations where it is a great deal for all involved. (JPW)
EXCLUSIVE: Arsenal have opened talks to sign Leandro Trossard from Brighton, negotiations are advanced with official bid ready for permanent move. 🚨⚪️🔴 #AFC
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 19, 2023
Personal terms already agreed — talks will continue to get deal done soon. pic.twitter.com/WgiCtz1jG1
January 16 - Moussa Diaby a top target?
Arsenal are being linked with wingers galore at the moment and it appears Bayer Leverkusen’s Moussa Diaby is the latest target. According to our partners in the UK at Sky Sports, Arsenal have reached out to Leverkusen about the availability of Diaby. The 23-year-old winger is a French international and Leverkusen have reportedly said he is worth over $108 million. Does that fee sound familiar? It is the transfer fee Chelsea just paid Shakhtar Donetsk for Mudryk and is now seen as the reference point for a talented winger in Europe. Diaby’s speed, crossing ability and penchant to cut inside mean he is very similar to Arsenal’s current wide players and he would slot into this system perfectly. He also creates and scores a lot of goals (25 assists and 23 goals since the start of the 2020-21 season), which is always handy. It seems like a move in the summer is more likely but Arsenal are putting the building blocks in place. (JPW)
January 16 - Gunners in Declan Rice driver’s seat?
The London Evening Standard’s Nizaar Kinsella says that Arsenal has pulled ahead of Man City, Manchester United, and Chelsea in the race to sign West Ham star Declan Rice.
The 24-year-old England midfielder is part of the Irons’ potent midfield with Lucas Paqueta and Tomas Soucek, but has been said to want UEFA Champions League football and 15th-place West Ham is well off top-half standards so far this season.
Rice was long ticketed for old club Chelsea, but the Blues are said to prefer Enzo Fernandez and other options for the center of the park. (NM)
January 16 - Raphinha, Ferran Torres interest
According to 90min Arsenal have enquired about Barcelona duo Raphinha and Ferran Torres. Per the report, Arsenal’s sporting director Edu has held talks with Barca to see if the two wide forwards are available. After missing out on Mudryk, Arsenal still want to sign a new winger. It is believed both Raphinha and Torres could be available as Barcelona need to cut their wage bill further. Raphinha was a key target for Arsenal last summer but joined Barca from Leeds instead but the Brazilian winger has struggled to nail down a starting spot at the Nou Camp. If Arsenal could sign Raphinha for less than the $70 million Barcelona paid for him last summer, that would represent a very good deal for the Gunners. He knows the Premier League inside out and his style of play would suit this Arsenal side extremely well as he could rotate in and out of the lineup with Saka and Martinelli. (JPW)
January 15 - Gunners have interest in Leandro Trossard
According to David Ornstein, Arsenal are now interested in signing Leandro Trossard from Brighton. After missing out on Mudryk, the Gunners still want to improve their options out wide and Trossard has six months left on his current deal at Brighton with the Seagulls having an option to extend his contract by a year. Trossard, 28, has been left out of Brighton’s recent squads and his agents released a statement saying his time at Brighton is basically up after falling out with manager Roberto De Zerbi. Trossard is proven in the Premier League and will be a very good option to rotate into Arsenal’s attacking lineup. (JPW)
January 15 - Mudryk signs in $108 million deal on eight-and-a-half year deal
Mykhailo Mudryk has signed for Chelsea, as the Blues reportedly offered him double what Arsenal were prepared to pay him in wages. Mudryk, 22, has signed an eight-and-a-half year deal and the Ukrainian winger will be a big part of their future as they continue to expensively revamp their squad. As for Arsenal, this is one that got away as the finances of the deal just didn’t add up for the Gunners. They are now moving on to other options. (JPW)
🚨 Chelsea complete the signing of Mudryk on an eight-and-a-half year deal. Is this a game-changer for #CFC? https://t.co/YZ3OGFnYdG
— NBC Sports Soccer (@NBCSportsSoccer) January 15, 2023
January 14 - Chelsea could snap up Mudryk from under the noses of Arsenal
This is absolutely bonkers. There have been reports over the last week or so that Chelsea could make a move for Mudryk but this latest update from Fabrizio Romano seems to be a lot more concrete and Chelsea are trying to get one over their London rivals. Arsenal have been haggling over the transfer fee for many days with Shakhtar and it seems like Chelsea are ready to pay the Ukrainian side whatever they want for the talented winger. This would be a huge blow for Arsenal but I guess every player has his price, right? (JPW)
🚨 EXCLUSIVE: Chelsea board now in Poland trying to reach verbal agreement with Shakhtar for Mudryk and hijack the deal! Official bid ready close to €100m. 🔵 #CFC
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 14, 2023
Arsenal always been leading the race, in talks with Shakhtar after 3d official bid.
Mudryk position, now crucial. pic.twitter.com/CwWWerfoQ8
January 13 - Arsenal, Shakhtar ironing out transfer fee structure for Mudryk
According to the latest report regarding Arsenal’s pursuit of Mykhaylo Mudryk, progress is being made as Arsenal and Shakhtar Donetsk go back and forth over the transfer fee. $60 million is the latest reported base fee, with another $30 million expected in add-ons. (AE)
