Weekly Transfer Zone
Latest news regarding the targets of Arsenal's Transfer business.
Incomings
Ricardo Calafiori
Calafiori has agreed personal terms for a contract until 2029. This contract has been agreed since the 5th of July. Arsenal have been in negotiations with Bologna for over 2 weeks and only slow progress has been made. Arsenal initially offered €40m + €10m in add ons which was knocked back by Bologna due to Basel having a 50% sell on clause. Both clubs tried to include Kiwior in negotiations but the player rejected the move. Arsenal latest offer is €47m + €3m in add ons. Bologna want €50m + €3m in add ons and there is hope an agreement can be reached by early next week.
Mikel Merino
Mikel Merino has been heavily linked with Arsenal through various links. At the current time, three clubs hold strong interest in the Spanish international. Atletico Madrid, Barcelona and Arsenal. It is understood Atletico Madrid are ready to make an offer for Merino. However, Merino is waiting to make a decision with Arsenal and Barcelona also interested. If Merino is to join Arsenal he would provide a solution to the Granit Xhaka left hole.
Dan Bentley
Dan Bentley has been identified by Arsenal to join as 3rd choice keeper. Arsenal have made an offer of £50k, which was swiftly rejected by Wolves. Wolves want more than £1m and Arsenal are expected to go in with a second offer. Arsenal GK options for the USA tour are a limited and may act swiftly to wrap up a deal for Bentley.
Tommy Setford
Tommy Setford has been targeted by Arsenal for his potential as a GK. The 18 year old has been playing in the Ajax academy. Arsenal have reached an agreement with Ajax for a fee of €1m + add ons. We understand the player has signed his contract and had his medical. Only the announcement now waits for the signing of Tommy Setford.
Nico Williams
Nico Williams has been a hot topic since his stellar Euro 2024 campaign. However, ArsenalZone understands Arsenal made attempts to sign Nico Williams before Euro 2024. Arsenal were told that Williams priority is Barcelona. Barcelona are current favourites to land the Spanish international but will need to find the funds to trigger his €58m release clause, required to be payed all up front. Chelsea also hold strong interest and have done background work on Williams. However, ArsenalZone understands if Barcelona can’t stump up the money, Arsenal will be in prime position to swoop in on the player. But a move looks like unlikely as it stands with Barcelona as clear favourites.
Outgoings
Emile Smith-Rowe
Emile Smith-Rowe has been subject to interest by Crystal Palace and Fulham. Fulham have had a £25m + £5m add ons bid rejected by Arsenal. Fulham are expected to make a second improved offer. Crystal Palace are also ready to materialise their interest by making a £30m + £5m add ons bid. Arsenal are also expected to reject this offer as they hold out for £40m. Arteta doesn’t particularly want to let ESR go, although if a £40m bid he would reluctantly agree.
Eddie Nketiah
Eddie Nketiah has strong interest from Marseille. ArsenalZone understands Nketiah would welcome a move to Marseille. Marseille have made a £20m offer for Nketiah but Arsenal have rejected this offer. Arsenal want between £40-50m for Nketiah. Premier League clubs such as Brentford, Fulham and Crystal Palace also hold interest but have that interest has yet to materialise.
Reiss Nelson
West Ham are clear front runners in the case of Reiss Nelson. ArsenalZone understands Reiss Nelson has an agreement in principle regarding personal terms to join West Ham. Arsenal want between £15m-20m. West Ham yet to make an offer, but an offer is expected. Crystal Palace have also shown interest.
Aaron Ramsdale
Aaron Ramsdale had a tough 23/24 season and it is understood he would like to move to gain first team football. Southampton so far have shown the strongest interest. However, they may struggle to stump up Arsenal’s £40m price tag. Newcastle also hold an interest but they only value Ramsdale at £20m. Arsenal may be forced to let the player leave on loan as the time ticks towards the end of the window.