Arsenal Transfer News Roundup: Gunners advised to target Lionel Messi; Aaron Ramsdale signs new deal, and more - May 19, 2023
Arsenal will travel to the City Ground on Saturday (May 20) to face Nottingham Forest in the Premier League. Mikel Arteta's men will finish second if they lose at Forest.
Meanwhile, a former player has advised the Gunners to target Paris Saint-Germain attacker Lionel Messi. Elsewhere, goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale has signed a new deal with the North London side.
On that note, here's a look at the key Arsenal transfer stories as on May 19, 2023:
Arsenal advised to target Lionel Messi
Former Manchester United striker Louis Saha has advised Arsenal to sign Lionel Messi this summer.
The Argentinean is in the final months of his contract with Paris Saint-Germain but is yet to sign a new deal. The 35-year-old has tempting offers on the table to move to the Middle East but wants to stay in Europe.
Barcelona are eager to sign him on a Bosman move this summer. However, speaking to OLBG.com, Saha said that Messi could be a success at the Emirates if Arteta can find the right balance.
"Lionel is a very smart player and can be an Arsenal type player. He will have to have a manager that realises he is not going to run all day. Are Arsenal the players that can do the Xavi and Busquets role well?" said Saha.
He continued:
"With Messi, you will be guaranteed 20-30 goals per season. He will also assist you in a lot of plays. It's about finding the right balance which will help him fit in. But Messi will be exciting to have in the Premier League."
Messi is also wanted by Inter Miami, who want to bring him to the MLS.
Aaron Ramsdale signs new deal
Aaron Ramsdale has signed a new long-term contract with Arsenal, the club have announced.
The English goalkeeper arrived at the Emirates two years ago and has cemented his place in Arteta's starting XI. He ousted Bernd Leno from the No. 1 role and has been impressive between the sticks since then. The Gunners are pleased with his efforts and have opted to end any speculation regarding his future.
After signing a new contract, Ramsdale expressed his delight at earning a new deal.
"It’s a huge amount of pride; it's something you work for. It doesn't matter if you've been at the club for a month or for four years, you always want to get the next one and push on with the team," said Ramsdale.
He added:
“To get it after two years, I'm buzzing. It just means I can concentrate and keep my head down, and hopefully after a few more years I'll get another one and carry on living the dream at the football club.”
The 25-year-old has 14 clean sheets in 39 appearances across competitions for the North London side this season.
Gunners don't need new No. 9, says Ryan Taylor
Arsenal don't need a new striker this summer, according to journalist Ryan Taylor. The Gunners are expected to add more firepower to their squad at the end of the season, and a new No. 9 is reportedly on the agenda.
Arteta saw his team fall short of Manchester City in the Premier League title race and wants to take corrective action this summer. However, speaking to Give Me Sport, Taylor said that Gabriel Jesus is good enough to be the focal point of Arteta's attack.
"I don't think so (whether Arsenal need a new striker), to be honest. I mean, if you're going to bring in another striker, you're going to have to sell (Eddie) Nketiah and probably (Folarin) Balogun to fund that move.
"And, obviously, you've then got the issue of keeping Jesus happy because he's ultimately come to Arsenal to be the main man, and I think Jesus is good enough to be the main man," said Taylor.
Arteta has had his eyes on Dusan Vlahovic for a while and could be in the mix for the Juventus striker's signature this summer.