Arsenal Transfer News Roundup: Gunners end Victor Osimhen chase, Inter Milan eyeing Jakub Kiwior, and more - August 10, 2024
Arsenal are putting together final preparations as they gear up for the upcoming campaign. Mikel Arteta's team finished behind Manchester City in the Premier League title race last season.
Meanwhile, the Gunners have ended their pursuit of Victor Osimhen. Elsewhere, Inter Milan are interested in Jakub Kiwior.
On that note, let's look at the major Arsenal transfer news from August 10, 2024.
Arsenal end Victor Osimhen chase
Arsenal have ended their pursuit of Victor Osimhen, according to journalist Ciro Troise. The Nigerian striker is a wanted man this summer and is being eyed by multiple clubs across the continent.
The Gunners are also in the market for a new No. 9 this summer and are long-term admirers of the 25-year-old. Osimhen signed a new contract with Napoli last year but is expected to leave the club this summer.
It was previously believed that the north London side are plotting a move for the player this summer. Arsenal narrowly missed out on the Premier League title last season and Osimhen could help Mikel Arteta's side bridge the gap with Manchester City.
However, speaking on Radio Capri, Troise insisted that the Gunners, as well as Chelsea, are no longer eyeing the Nigerian.
“Osimhen? Nothing has changed. He reappears every now and then, but the situation is always the same: PSG doesn’t go beyond €70m and hasn’t sold Kolo Muani yet. While Chelsea and Arsenal have withdrawn,” said Troise.
Osimhen could be a replacement for Kylian Mbappe at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG)
Inter Milan eyeing Jakub Kiwior
Inter Milan are interested in Jakub Kiwior, according to The Sun. The Polish defender is likely to become surplus to requirements at Arsenal following the arrival of Riccardo Calafiori from Bologna this summer.
Kiwior was quite impressive in the left-back role last season, but the Italian defender could be an upgrade at the position for Mikel Arteta. The 24-year-old has been linked with an exit from the Emirates all summer and the Nerazzurri are now willing to take him to Serie A. However, the Gunners could opt to hold on to the player for another campaign to help maintain their squad depth.
Gunners yet to submit Mikel Merino offer, says journalist
Arsenal are yet to agree a deal for Mikel Merino this summer, according to journalist Paul Gilmour. The Spanish midfielder has emerged as a priority target for Mikel Arteta this summer.
The Spanish manager is likely to bid adieu to Thomas Partey this year and wants an established face to partner Declan Rice in midfield. Merino has popped up on his radar following some impressive showings with Real Sociedad and Spain.
The 28-year-old registered eight goals and five assists from 45 games across competitions last season for the La Liga side. He was also part of Luis de la Fuente's La Roja squad that won Euro 2024. His efforts have already turned heads at the Emirates.
However, speaking on Sky Sports News, Gilmour insisted that the Gunners are yet to submit an offer for the Spaniard.
“No I think Merino is a player Arsenal really like, but the last we heard the information we have is that it isn’t quite at a stage where they’re likely to make progress on that," said Gilmour.
He continued:
“Of course, that could change throughout this window, but there’s been no significant progress. Some sources in Spain told us today there have been no formal offers for Merino or indeed Zubimendi."
Gilmour concluded:
“That’s not to say those negotiations aren’t ongoing behind the scenes, it’s one of those not to get too carried away with yet, but negotiations and talks are ongoing to try and find some common ground and ideally bring him to Arsenal, but no formal offer and no advanced discussions at this stage.”
Merino is in the final year of his contract with the La Liga side and is not expected to sign a new deal.