Arsenal Transfer News Roundup: Gunners confirm Riccardo Calafiori arrival, club suffer setback in pursuit of PSG ace, and more - July 30, 2024
Arsenal finished second in the Premier League last season, losing out on the coveted trophy on the final day of the campaign. Mikel Arteta is now working to improve his squad over the summer to close the gap with champions Manchester City.
Meanwhile, the Gunners have announced the arrival of Riccardo Calafiori. Elsewhere, the north London side have suffered a blow in their plans to sign a Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) midfielder this summer.
On that note, let's look at the major Arsenal transfer news from July 30, 2024.
Arsenal confirm Riccardo Calafiori arrival
Arsenal have announced the arrival of Riccardo Calafiori. Mikel Arteta had identified the Italian defender as a target early this summer.
The Spaniard was looking for an upgrade on Jakub Kiwior for the left-back role and Calafiori fits the bill. The Gunners moved quickly to agree personal terms with the 22-year-old.
However, the move was delayed due to a buyback clause in the player's contract with Bologna. The Serie A side were locked in talks with FC Basel regarding the matter and a breakthrough was reached recently. Subsequently, Arteta was able to get his man.
Speaking to the club's website, the Spanish manager was full of praise for Calafiori.
“We welcome Riccardo and his family to Arsenal. He is a great signing and gives us huge strength to reinforce our defence. We’re looking forward to working with Riccardo, integrating him into the squad, and supporting him in the years to come,” said Arteta.
The 22-year-old will wear the number 33 at the Emirates.
The Gunners suffer setback in pursuit of Fabian Ruiz
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) are under no pressure to offload Fabian Ruiz this summer, according to Ligue 1 expert Jonathan Johnson. The Spanish midfielder has become a household name following his exploits at Euro 2024.
Ruiz played a key role under Luis de la Fuente, helping La Roja win the tournament. Recent reports have suggested that Arsenal are looking to take him to the Emirates.
Mikel Arteta is eyeing midfield reinforcements this summer amid the uncertainty surrounding Thomas Partey's future. Ruiz could be a fine partner for Declan Rice in the middle of the park.
However, in his column for Caught Offside, Johnson insisted that the Parisians could opt to keep hold of the 28-year-old.
“Fabian Ruiz has been linked as a target for Arsenal and I think his situation is an interesting one to watch this summer. I think a move would depend on what kind of offer is put on the table to PSG," wrote Johnson.
He continued:
“PSG will probably wait and see if there is any offer put forward to the club and then move from there, but I don’t think there’s any real pressure to move Ruiz on. Let’s see what kind of offers arrive, if any, but I wouldn’t expect a concentrated effort to push Ruiz towards the Parc des Princes exit.”
Arteta is apparently willing to break his youth-centric transfer policy to sign Ruiz.
Marseille yet to agree deal for Eddie Nketiah, says journalist
Marseille are yet to agree to a deal to take Eddie Nketiah to France, according to Jonathan Johnson. The English forward is no longer a first team regular at Arsenal and will be allowed to leave this summer.
The Ligue 1 club are looking to usher in a new era under Robert De Zerbi and are eyeing multiple additions to their squad. The Italian manager recently signed Mason Greenwood from Manchester United but remains hungry for more firepower.
Nketiah has been identified as an option. Despite his struggles at the Emirates, the 25-year-old could prove to be a fine option for Marseille. The Gunners are ready to let him go this year as they look to raise funds for further signings.
However, in his column for Caught Offside, Johnson added that the Ligue 1 side are yet to match the Englishman's price tag.
“Marseille have signed Mason Greenwood and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg this summer, and now Arsenal’s Eddie Nketiah is another Premier League player they’re looking at. The latest on the deal is that there is some distance between what Arsenal want for Nketiah and what Marseille would be ready to offer. There is a desire, however, from Roberto De Zerbi to bring in that kind of player,” wrote Johnson.
He continued:
“I don’t think OM will have been expecting this deal to be easy, but they perhaps also wouldn’t have expected it to be as complicated as it has been, particularly with other clubs interested and curious about his situation."
He concluded:
"I think there would be logic to this signing for Marseille, especially when you look at Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang moving on, so it’s a signing that could make sense with how De Zerbi will want to play."
Nketiah scored six goals and set up three more in 37 games across competitions last season.