Arsenal have revealed their plans of having another promising market this summer. The club are making big moves and are linked with some of the top talents. A lot of new signings are expected at the Emirates this summer. However the club also need to comply with the profitability and sustainability rules set by Premier League. Mikel Arteta and sporting director Edu are working in coordination to find a best possible lineup to take down Manchester City next season. Arsenal have recently reported to have joined the race for Joao Neves who had a superb season with Benfica recently.
Arsenal’s midfield situation
Arsenal have been reported to part ways with Thomas Partey after four years. Partey has been an important player for the North London club ever since his arrival in 2020. The Ghana international has constantly provided Arsenal support in the midfield. However his time at Emirates seems to be up. In 2023/24 season, Partey made only 16 appearances for Gunners across all competitions.
Jorginho who joined Arsenal from Chelsea in January 2023 has signed contract extension. The Italian midfielder seems very likely to partner up with Declan Rice in the midfield. However, Arteta can’t rely on Jorginho to start regularly as he is 32 years old. Before Neves, Arsenal were heavily linked with Martin Zubimendi and Douglas Luiz.
Arsenal had a serious interest in Martin Zubimendi. However the Spaniard was not interested to leave Spain at all. This resulted in the deal going nowhere and eventually failed. Later, Gunners shifted their focus on Douglas Luiz. However, Arsenal once again had to face rejection as the Brazilian joined Juventus. Now, Mikel Arteta has expressed interest in Portugese midfielder who is just 19 years old.
Arsenal joining the race for Joao Neves
According to O Jogo, Gunners have joined the race to sign Joao Neves. Joao Neves has been a centre of attraction due to his performances in 2023/24 season. After the departure of Enzo Fernandez, Neves emerged as a crucial player for Benfica. Later, Neves was offered a contract extension keeping him at the club until 2028. However the 19 year old has big clubs after him and it won’t be a surprise if he decides to join them.
Neves has likes of Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool. Now, Arsenal have been the latest addition to that list. However, Benfica are not interested to sell Neves. Man United and PSG made bids of upto £60 million for Neves which were quickly rejected by Benfica. The Portugese giants revealed that the only way to sign Neves is by triggering his £102 million release clause.
It is believed that this price demanded by Benfica for Neves will prove too high for Arsenal. Arteta’s focus currently is on bringing in a quality striker. However the Spaniard has already told ESPN that Arsenal are looking to improve in every possible department.
Arsenal’s transfer activity until now
Arsenal have completed the signing of David Raya on permanent transfer. The club has announced the Spaniard’s joining on their official website. Sporting director Edu and manager Mikel Arteta are both happy to have the premier league golden glove award winner in 2023/24 season as club’s permanent keeper. Raya kept 16 clean sheets in Premier League and 20 in total across all competitions. The Spanish keeper is extremely proud to become Arsenal’s permanent player and is looking forward to have amazing season.
Raya’s arrival could be followed by Riccardo Calafiori of Bologna. Calafiori has impressed Arteta and is very close to join him. It has been reported that the Italian defender has agreed personal terms with Arsenal. A meeting between Bologna and Arsenal is set to take place this week regarding Calafiori’s move. Calafiori’s signing could cost Arsenal around £42.5 million.
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