Arsenal Transfer News Roundup: Gunners accept Nuno Tavares offer; Marseille eyeing English ace, and more - July 11, 2024
Arsenal were a step away from a historic Premier League triumph last season but faltered in the final hurdle. Mikel Arteta's men missed out on the title on the final day, with Manchester City pipping them by two points.
Meanwhile, the Gunners have accepted an offer to offload left-back Nuno Tavares this summer. Elsewhere, Marseille are interested in Gunners striker Eddie Nketiah
On that note, here's a look at the key Arsenal transfer stories as on July 11, 2024:
Arsenal accept Nuno Tavares offer, says Fabrizio Romano
Arsenal have accepted Lazio's offer to sign Nuno Tavares this summer, according to acclaimed transfer guru Fabrizio Romano. The Portuguese left-back is no longer part of Arteta's plans, with the manager looking to reinforce the position.
Tavares endured a difficult loan spell at Nottingham Forest in the 2023-24 campaign, registering eight appearances. The Gunners have run out of patience with the 24-year-old and want him gone.
Lazio are offering the player a chance to get his career back on track. The Serie A side have submitted a loan offer with an obligation to buy for €7-8 million, and it has been accepted by the north London side. Lazio have to reach an agreement with the player to complete the deal, though.
Marseille eyeing Eddie Nketiah
Marseille have entered the race to sign Eddie Nketiah, according to journalist Santi Aouna. The English forward failed to impress last season, registering six goals and three assists in 37 games across competitions.
Arteta is already planning to rope in a new No. 9 to lead the line next summer, and Nketiah has been deemed surplus to requirements. The player's contract expires in 2027, but Arsenal are apparently ready to let him go this year.
Marseille are looking for a fresh start under Roberto De Zerbi, who took charge this summer. The manager wants more firepower in his attack and has identified Nketiah as an option.
The Ligue 1 club have initiated talks to bring the player to France, and discussions have been positive so far.
Gunners edging closer to Riccardo Calafiori, says journalist
Arsenal are working to strike a deal with Bologna for Riccardo Calafiori, according to club insider Charles Watts. The Italian defender is a priority target for Arteta and has already agreed personal terms to move to Emirates this summer.
Calafiori caught the imagination of clubs across the continent following his rock-solid season with Bologna. The 22-year-old ended the campaign with 37 appearances across competitions, flourishing in a centre-back role.
Arteta is adamant about roping in a new central defender to cover for Gabriel as well as operate in the left-back role. Calafiori fits the bills and could be an upgrade on Jakub Kiwior.
In his column for Caught Offside, Watts said that the north London side are confident that a deal will materialise soon.
“Arsenal’s attempts to sign Riccardo Calafiori are continuing and they hope to strike a deal with Bologna. At the time of writing this column, that has yet to happen. But the hope and expectation is that it could happen soon,” wrote Watts.
He continued:
“Talks are ongoing between the clubs over the final fee and how the deal will be structured. Calafiori is Arsenal’s priority when it comes to strengthening their defensive options and so they will push to reach an agreement, but you can never be sure until everything is signed and finalised."
He concluded:
“It’s certainly an interesting move from Arsenal. I have to admit I wasn’t expecting the first significant deal of the transfer window to involve a defender.
"It was always an area that they were looking to strengthen, but I was expecting them to strengthen in the forward areas first. But it does look like an exciting signing."
Chelsea and Juventus were also linked with the 22-year-old, but he now looks set to move to the Emirates.